As the global preservation community grapples with the growing vulnerability of sound and audio-visual collections, an upcoming industry webinar will spotlight one of the most critical foundations of effective archiving: identifying and assessing risks.
Taking place on Tuesday, 09 June 2026, the webinar will focus on “Risk Identification & Assessment: Conducting Collection Surveys and Condition Assessments“ and forms part of the broader programme, Identifying, Safeguarding & Managing Risks To Sound & Audio-Visual Archives & Collections. The session will bring together archivists, broadcasters, curators, and preservation specialists to explore practical approaches to safeguarding invaluable media heritage.
Sound and audio-visual archives are among the most fragile forms of documentary heritage. From magnetic tape degradation and obsolete playback equipment to environmental threats and poor storage conditions, these collections face a wide spectrum of risks. Without systematic identification and assessment, institutions risk losing irreplaceable cultural, historical, and informational assets.
This webinar will delve into the methodologies and tools required to conduct effective collection surveys and condition assessments.
Participants will gain insights into evaluating the physical and technical condition of materials, prioritising preservation actions, and building risk profiles to inform long-term management strategies.
The session will also highlight how structured assessments enable organisations to make informed decisions around digitisation, conservation, and resource allocation—ensuring that limited budgets are directed where they are most needed.
By focusing on practical, real-world applications, the webinar aims to empower institutions of all sizes—from national archives to community collections—with the knowledge to proactively manage risks rather than react to crises.
As the preservation landscape continues to evolve amid technological change and increasing volumes of content, the ability to systematically assess and respond to risk has never been more essential.
To find out more, view the webinar website HERE.
