Grooved audio media, such as wax cylinders, shellac discs, and vinyl records, can be found in many archival and museum collections at small and mid-sized institutions, often featuring significant historical moments and cultural expressions. However, these materials can be vulnerable to damage and deterioration if not properly cared for. In this webinar, we will explore effective preservation strategies tailored specifically for these unique formats.

Join us to learn about:

The types of grooved audio media commonly found in collections.
Common risks that threaten their condition and accessibility.
Best practices for handling, cleaning, and storing these materials to ensure their longevity.
Environmental considerations and protective enclosures to safeguard against degradation.
This session will provide participants with the practical knowledge needed to further safeguard and maintain the integrity of sound recordings in groove-based formats.

Presenter

Dave Walker, Audiovisual Archivist, Smithsonian Institution, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections

Dave Walker serves as the Audiovisual Archivist at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. With over 15 years of experience in audiovisual media conservation, Walker specializes in the conservation, preservation, and digital reformatting of analog audio media, particularly open reel tapes and audio discs.In addition to the Association for Recorded Sound Collections, he is a contributing member of the American Institute for Conservation, the International Association for Sound and Audiovisual Archives, and the Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative. He is currently on the Fulbright Specialist Roster (2021-2025) and recently completed an international music preservation project with the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, sponsored by the US Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. As an educator, he teaches graduate courses for Museum Studies professionals at the George Washington University.

The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.