What are the key steps to digitizing audio and video archival records?

2 Choose your equipment and formats

The next step to digitizing audio and video archival records is to choose the equipment and formats that best suit your needs and goals. You should select the devices and software that can capture, convert, and store the records in a digital format, such as scanners, cameras, recorders, converters, and computers. You should also decide on the file formats, compression methods, and storage media that can preserve the quality and functionality of the records, such as WAV, MP3, MP4, JPEG, TIFF, DVD, or hard drive. You should consider the compatibility, durability, and usability of the equipment and formats, as well as your budget and resources.

4 Digitize your records

The fourth step to digitizing audio and video archival records is to digitize your records according to your plan and specifications. You should follow a consistent and systematic workflow that ensures the quality and efficiency of the digitization process. You should capture, convert, and store your records in a digital format using the equipment and formats you have chosen. You should also monitor and document the process and record any issues or deviations that may occur. You should follow the standards and guidelines for digitizing audio and video archival records, such as those from the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) or the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC).

5 Apply metadata and quality control

The fifth step to digitizing audio and video archival records is to apply metadata and quality control to your digital copies. Metadata is the information that describes and identifies your records, such as title, date, creator, format, subject, and rights. Metadata helps you to organize, access, and manage your digital copies, as well as to enhance their discoverability and usability. Quality control is the process of checking and verifying the quality and accuracy of your digital copies, such as by comparing them with the original records, reviewing the metadata, and testing the functionality and compatibility. Quality control helps you to ensure the integrity and reliability of your digital copies, as well as to identify and correct any errors or defects.

6 Manage and preserve your digital copies

The sixth and final step to digitizing audio and video archival records is to manage and preserve your digital copies for long-term access and use. You should store, backup, and migrate your digital copies in a secure and stable environment that protects them from damage, loss, or obsolescence. You should also create and implement policies and procedures for accessing, sharing, and reusing your digital copies, such as by providing online platforms, catalogues, or databases. You should also monitor and update your digital copies regularly to ensure their sustainability and compatibility with changing technologies and user needs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?