Connecting to Collections Care

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

Register here: https://connectingtocollections.org/caring_for_grooved_audio_media/