The IASA Europeana Sounds Task Force has been launched

As part of our sustainability plans for the Europeana Sounds project (http://www.europeanasounds.eu/), it was agreed that we would propose the creation of a Task Force of The International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) which would continue promoting the aims and objectives of the project beyond the project’s lifetime.

IASA was identified as an important partner for the sustainability of Europeana Sounds. IASA itself has been in existence for over 45 years and is supported by a paying membership of some 400 institutions and individuals from 70 countries including 24 EU member states. IASA promotes, encourages and supports the development of best professional standards and practice in all countries through communication, cooperation, advocacy, promulgation, dissemination, training and/or education, amongst public or private archives or libraries, institutions, businesses, organisations and associations which share these purposes.

The proposal was originally discussed in 2013 with the IASA Board before the project began. During the IASA 2015 annual conference in Paris last month it was formally adopted.

IASA’s Europeana Sounds Task Force will include the planning of and the establishment of aggregation training workshops in each future IASA conference, looking into future funding options, promoting active sound heritage preservation and the sharing of best practice between knowledgeable subject experts.

Now that Task Force is established we will next plan how the objectives of the Task Force are delivered and set out processes and procedures for the Task Force as an integral and long term activity within the auspices of IASA.

A webpage and public discussion forum have been set up on the IASA website and can be found here: http://www.iasa-web.org/europeana-sounds-task-force and we would welcome any interested parties and IASA members to join us in the Task Force.
Laura Miles
British Library