Annual Conference: Lisbon, Portugal (with IAML)
President: Dietrich Schüller Phonogramm-Archiv, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria.Rolf L. Schuursma Foundation Film and Science, The Netherlands
Editor: Dr. Rolf L. Schuursma, Documentationcentre, Foundation for Film and Science SFW, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Ann Briegleb, Ethnomusicology Archives, Music Dept. UCLA, Los Angeles, USA. Frank J. Gillis, Archives of Traditional Music, Indiana University,Bloomington, USA
In his Presidential Message published right after the Montreal Conference 1975 (PHONOGRAPHIC BULLETIN No. 13), Dietrich Schüller made a distinction between the various stages of development IASA had been passing through. According to his opinion, the first one had been devoted to initial contacts, the second one to an extensive exchange of information, and the third one--then just starting--to a primary role for working commissions, which should be effective in realizing the aims stated so boldly by the founders of the Association.
IASA is now indeed in the very centre of that third stage. There are several projects on which individuals and committees are working at the present time. An Archive Approach to Oral History, by David Lance and others, is the beginning of a series of publications, shortly to be followed by Ann Briegleb's Directory of IASA Member Archives. A Technical Manual is in preparation and will be one of the major efforts of the Technical Committee and the Executive Board during the next few years. New national branches are underway, while the branches in Austria, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are steadily working towards the realization of their programmes. The PHONOGRAPHIC BULLETIN will continue its informative role, bridging over the great distances between members and the long periods of time between conferences. The programme for the Salzburg meeting has already passed its initial stage.
IASA's first Presidents, Donald Leavitt and Timothy Eckersley, have been only too right in writing that the problems with which IASA would have to cope might well be much greater than its means (see PHONOGRAPHIC BULLETIN Nos. 1 and 7). In particular, an international census of sound archives--"The Everest, that loomed before us . . .", as it was stated so expressively by Don Leavitt— had to be shelved in favor of a somewhat restricted programme which proved to be more realistic. This does not mean, however, that IASA is doomed to small and ineffective operations. The past three years have especially showed that much can be done without trying to climb the highest mountains. The new Executive Board will follow that realistic course of action, raising and getting through short-term projects, staying within the limits of our present capacity, at the same time involving more members in the activities of the Association through the national branches and the committees.
During the Lisbon Conference one more committee was established: the Joint IAML-IASA Working Committee on Music and Sound Archives. It is my firm belief that the President and the members of this "bridge" between the two Associations will bring about a stimulating interaction between the fields of interest of IAML and IASA.
This Presidential communication appears in the first issue of the PHONOGRAPHIC BULLETIN which will no longer be prepared in Utrecht. Let me take this occasion to wish that my successors meet with the same good-will and cooperation which I have enjoyed so much as Editor for so many years. They will be responsible for the production of the many issues of the BULLETIN which are due in the next three years.
May IASA grow and prosper in good health and in stubborn and steady activity!
Rolf Schuursma, President
