Audiovisual material
Overview
Avoid actions that could compromise the playability of the media (or impact Houghton computer equipment).
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If isolating the media, organize them according to the scheme below.
Sorting
Segregate physically by medium; then by format; then by sub-format (typically, speed and/or size); and finally alphabetically by title. Materials are arranged by format and not intellectually because different media, formats, and sub-formats have different preservation requirements. Two copies of the same title (for example, the recording of a song) might therefore be separated physically from each other if one is on an audiocassette and the other on a vinyl LP. The two may be brought together intellectually in the finding aid, however, in various ways:
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Audio media (i.e., solely audio, not containing visual elements)
Digital discs· Compact
- Compact disc (CD)
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- Laser disc (LD)
Magnetic tape· Digital
- Digital audiotape (DAT)
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- Microcassette
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- Reel-to-reel tape
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- Audiocassette
Phonograph records· metal
- metal
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- vinyl
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- wax
Visual media (i.e., either solely visual, as in silent films, or audio and visual combined)
Digital discs· Digital
- Digital video disc (DVD)
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- Laser disc (LD)
Film· Acetate
- Acetate
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- Nitrocellulose
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- Polyester
Videotapes· Betacam
- Betacam
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- Video Home System (VHS)
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- U-matic, etc.
Once the media have been organized according to the scheme above, consult the Preservation Librarian for proper archival housing. Preserve original housing (jackets, sleeves, cases, etc.), if historically significant and/or carrying significant manuscript notes, separately from the audiovisual material.
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Phonograph records should be stored vertically in archival paper sleeves. Tape media (e.g., audiocassette, reel-to-reel, film, etc.) should be stored horizontally in housing appropriate for each format.
Cataloging Examples
(1) Chopin, Frédéric, 1810-1849. Valses : 1 phonograph record ; EMI Records, 2006. 1 folder. Stephen Kovacevich, piano. Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, July 14-19, 2005.
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