From September 23-26, 2024, the 55th International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) annual conference, themed Interdisciplinary Connections, brought together archive professionals from across the globe in Valencia, Spain. This year’s programme was rich and diverse, featuring papers, poster presentations, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and many networking opportunities.
The conference provided invaluable opportunities for participants to engage with pressing issues in audiovisual archiving. My primary objectives were to delve into the latest methodologies in digital preservation, explore the integration of artificial intelligence in archiving practices, and connect with fellow professionals to share insights and foster collaboration.
Key sessions and highlights
The conference kicked off with a session titled, 'Low-Cost Preservation: Audio Digitisation with Raspberry Pi', presented by Tom Ruane and Karl Jenkins. This session showcased innovative strategies for making audio digitization accessible through affordable technology, which is vital for many institutions with limited resources.
Another notable session, titled 'Managing Collections with Audiovisual Metadata Tools' and led by Rebecca Fraimow emphasised best practices for enhancing the management of audiovisual collections through effective metadata utilisation.
Mark Boas's session, Using AI to Make Spoken-Word Content More Accessible and Discoverable, illustrated the transformative potential of AI technologies in improving user engagement with archival content. However, using automative speech recognition such as whisper comes with its challenges, including hallucinations, accent, background noise, spelling of names, lack of control and wrong information especially with languages other than English.
The keynote address by Elena Oroz set a compelling tone for the conference, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration within the archiving community. This theme resonated throughout the various discussions and panels.
A session titled, 'AI Solutions for Audiovisual Archiving', featured a panel of experts who explored both the potential benefits and challenges of implementing AI in archival practices. This conversation is crucial as the field grapples with rapid technological advancements.
Other discussions included 'Archives & Academia: Scholarly Access & Infrastructure', which examined the vital relationship between archives and academic institutions, focusing on strategies to improve resource accessibility. The session on 'Community Collections' showcased successful case studies of community-led initiatives, underlining the importance of local engagement in preservation efforts.
The conference provided ample opportunities for networking. I engaged with a diverse array of professionals, including archivists, technologists, and scholars. Notably, discussions with members of the technical committee opened doors to potential collaborative projects, particularly in the realm of metadata enhancement.
Overall, the IASA 55th Annual Conference was a well-organised and enriching experience. The diverse program catered to various facets of audiovisual archiving, offering practical insights and fostering important conversations within the field. The vibrant social atmosphere further facilitated valuable connections, making this conference a rewarding event for all participants.