Losing New Zealand's moving image heritage: Exploring the current state of audio-visual tape preservation strategies in New Zealand

Abstract

Research problem: This study aims to address the gap in information regarding how New Zealand organisations housing audio-visual collections of heritage value are approaching the preservation of their aging magnetic tape collections. This study explores three main areas: the rationale/selection criteria being employed by organisations to identify audio-visual heritage items for digitisation; the extent to which New Zealand audio-visual repositories, with items of heritage value, have acknowledged the need for preservation and digitisation; and the values and barriers of a collaborative national audio-visual digitisation programme designed to improve the chances of survival of this material.

Methodology: In order to address the research problem, this study uses a mixed methodology, employing a selective, or non-probability, sampling model. Five organisations were deliberately chosen as they hold the bulk of New Zealand's audio-visual heritage material. The research was then conducted using a multiple case study, whereby professionals from participating organisations were asked to complete a survey which was followed up with written contact via email for clarification.

Results: Four out of the five selected organisations participated in the study. The results showed that while all participating organisations had differing motivations for digitising collections all acknowledged the need for preservation. All respondents confirmed they have an audio-visual digitisation programme in place and are carrying out digitisation work on their tape-based material. All organisations are also facing similar and shared challenges relating to the preservation of their tape-based material, including lack of playback equipment, mechanical damage of carriers, storage issues, and issues related to cataloguing.

Implications: This study provides a picture of the current situations faced by New Zealand organisations housing audio-visual collections of heritage value and sets the scene for a exploring the value of considering a national collaborative preservation programme to encompass all heritage film and sound collections stored in New Zealand repositories. This research has the potential to offer data that may improve the progress of discussion around assisting organisations, from all sectors housing audio-visual collections of heritage value, who may be disadvantaged through lack of resources, access to specialised staff and/or shortage of obsolete equipment.