As archives and cultural institutions around the world race to preserve ageing audiovisual collections, industry experts are advocating greater collaboration and knowledge sharing to address the complex technical and financial challenges of audiovisual digitisation.
Speaking during a recent industry discussion, Brecht Declercq, Head of Archives at RSI, highlighted the unique nature of audiovisual preservation and stressed that no single institution should attempt to tackle the challenge in isolation.
According to Declercq, audiovisual digitisation remains a highly specialised field requiring technical expertise that is often scarce within individual organisations and even across entire countries. While advancements in technology have led to the emergence of more accessible digitisation solutions, successful preservation projects still require careful planning, specialised knowledge, and technical support.
“The digitisation of audiovisual archives is not only about preserving content but also about navigating a rapidly changing technological environment,” Declercq noted. “Collaboration is becoming increasingly important if institutions are to avoid costly mistakes and maximise the impact of their preservation efforts.”
Declercq emphasised that traditional archival methodologies such as collection assessments and risk analysis remain important. However, given the technical complexities of audiovisual preservation, institutions should complement these practices by partnering with external experts and peer organisations.
Among the key recommendations outlined were the need to establish stronger national and regional networks, to identify leading digitisation experts within countries and provinces, and to encourage greater cooperation among archives, broadcasters, and heritage institutions.
He further noted that bringing multiple collections together can create economies of scale, making digitisation projects more financially viable and attractive to service providers. Larger collaborative initiatives can also unlock more cost-effective solutions while ensuring broader access to specialist expertise.
Knowledge sharing was identified as another critical component of successful preservation strategies. Institutions facing similar technical challenges can benefit significantly from exchanging experiences, methodologies, and lessons learned, thereby accelerating project implementation and reducing risk.
While advocating for greater collaboration, Declercq stressed that organisations must continue to conduct their own internal risk assessments and prioritisation exercises, particularly in response to ongoing technological obsolescence that threatens access to valuable audiovisual content.
As audiovisual collections continue to age and playback equipment becomes increasingly scarce, industry leaders agree that collaborative approaches will play a vital role in preserving cultural and historical heritage for future generations.
The call for institutions to think “beyond their walls” reflects a growing recognition that the long-term preservation of audiovisual archives will depend not only on technology and funding but also on collective action across the archival and broadcasting sectors.
To view Mr Declercq’s view, please click HERE.
