The Fenner Archives has secured funding to digitise 19 pieces of rare magnetic tape documenting Australia's scientific heritage, ensuring the voices of pioneering researchers are preserved for future generations.
The Community Heritage Grant (CHG) will enable the preservation of vulnerable reels, cassettes and audiovisual materials at risk of permanent loss due to their uncommon and obsolete format and deteriorating condition.
Securing the preservation of these reels, cassettes and audiovisual pieces is part of a wider initiative to safeguard the Archives’ audiovisual material.
While the Archives maintains an active paper-scanning project and can digitise audio cassettes in-house at the Shine Dome, specialist equipment for older formats is increasingly difficult to source, making external partnerships essential for preservation.
The collection includes rare 1968 film footage from Professor Ronald Giovanelli FAA, which is being digitised by Canberra firm DAMSmart, who specialise in audiovisual material.
The CHG program, managed by the National Library of Australia, supports non-profit community organisations to preserve locally owned collections of national significance and improve public accessibility.
Stay tuned for further updates at the conclusion of the project.
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