Ways to save recordings on obsolete electronics beyond 2025 to be examined at symposium

The “deadline” to preserve content recorded on obsolete formats is just a few years away but experts are hoping to find a solution soon.

According to UNESCO, it will become problematic - if not impossible - to play and preserve content such as audio and video tapes after 2025.

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies says communities and cultural institutions all over the world have priceless collections of audiovisual stories that are at risk of permanent loss.

“As Deadline 2025 approaches, the growing challenges for preserving these collections include how to locate suitable playback devices and spare parts, and how to ensure the training and retention of engineering staff with relevant skills,” AIATSIS said.

This week, experts in collections management and digitisation techniques will meet online to identify prospects for avoiding the worst scenarios anticipated.

The Common Problems Shared Solutions symposium is in collaboration with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Participants will discuss possible opportunities to support the ongoing preservation of the at-risk magnetic media in Australia beyond 2025.