ISO 16363: Sizing Up The Standard
29 January 2015
This presentation from Seth Anderson covers recent efforts at AVP to reframe the often information-heavy results of ISO 16363 audits into straightforward data points based on scoring criteria with actionable recommendations for achieving compliance. The presentation includes examples of different applications of the standard as a means of assessing developing digital preservation infrastructure and planning for completely new policies and systems.
Additionally, extensive work with the standard has revealed inconsistencies and repetitive elements that cause confusion and difficulty in interpreting and applying the requirements of a trustworthy digital repository. Seth posits an altered hierarchy to address these issues in future versions of the standard, an approach that looks to such documents not as a static, inflexible set of guidelines, but pragmatically as a framework to apply and continually refine as results and technologies change, much like digital preservation itself!
Make It Happen
19 January 2015
As we saw in the recent #WhyAmIAnArchivist Twitter hashtag, for many people one of the inspirations to becoming an archivist is the thrill of discovering lost documents that unlock the past (or unlock an ancient vault full of gold or autopsied aliens). Life is an encoded puzzle written in invisible ink, and perhaps, just perhaps, that misplaced letter or oral history or receipt from 7-11 will shade in the image just a little bit more, enough to make out a fresh answer to the mystery or somehow better connect the present to the past.
AVP Holiday Card – 2014
31 December 2014
Artwork by Stephanie Housley from Coral & Tusk (embroidered)
Hapy Holidays!
22 December 2014
So late late late late Friday, we got our annual holiday cards in the post (Ain’t no staff meeting like an envelope stuffing meeting…). For those of you unlucky enough to not be on our mailing list (lines are open — contact us now!) we have been designing and sending out cards since our founding in 2006. At some point in the autumn, Chris comes up with a concept, often tied to the anniversary of a particular media type or format. After running the idea past our team, he begs and pleads with the supremely talented Stephanie Housley to illustrate the design of the card — but don’t tell anyone that because she Alan Smithees the whole effort to protect her reputation.
AVPreserve Holiday Cards
22 December 2014
Our annual Holiday Cards, designed by Stephanie Housley and signed with cheer by the entire AVPreserve crew!
Open Reel Audio Duration Calculator
11 December 2014
A simple Excel spreadsheet that shows the total capacity for 1/4 inch open reel audio, using variable for Track Configuration, Sound Field Configuration, Tape Thickness, and Reel Size. Assumes full tape reels and full use of capacity. Look for an online app version coming soon.
Estimating Duration of Open Reel Audio
10 December 2014
UPDATE: Find a simple Excel spreadsheet Duration Calculator here.
Another Fowl Thanksgiving
25 November 2014
Growing up, my most memorable Thanksgiving was a non-Thanksgiving. 90% of my extended family lived in the Portland area, so all family events took place there, but we lived 3-4 hours away in southern Oregon.
Maybe It Should Be Living Dead Media
19 November 2014
I’ve been a long time fan of zombie movies. And I’m old. I’m letting you know this so you know that I’m not some Johnny-rise-from-the-dead-lately who jumped on the zombie bandwagon with World War Z or The Walking Dead.
Digital Preservation Is People
14 November 2014
Preservation is a resource heavy endeavor. People. Time. Equipment. Infrastructure. Facilities. Space. Training. And, I suppose, some cash-ola.
