The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ), in collaboration with the British Library and the Creative Production & Training Centre (CPTC), will host a three-day workshop—March 4th, 6th, and 7th—on audio preservation.  

The workshop, at the CPTC offices on Arnold Road, Kingston 5, will run from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and is designed to equip practitioners in sound archiving with essential skills in audio preservation.

As Jamaica’s premier institution for preserving and providing access to the nation’s documentary heritage, the NLJ plays a critical role in safeguarding cultural materials, including audiovisual records that capture the country’s rich history. This workshop aligns with the NLJ’s ongoing efforts to enhance the preservation and accessibility of Jamaica’s audio archives for future generations.

Throughout the workshop, participants will be introduced to best practices for preserving common audio formats found in archival collections. Sessions will include:

• Fundamentals of audio preservation, including digitization principles and setting up a digitization workstation
• Magnetic tape digitization: equipment setup, item preparation, and correct replay of open reel tapes and compact cassettes
• Analogue disc digitization: handling and replaying vinyl, acetate, and other disc formats
• Digital formats: preservation processes for CD-R and other digital media

The workshop will be facilitated by experts from the British Library Sound Archive: Kevin Lemonnier, Preservation Audio Engineer, and Adam Tovell, Head of Technical Services. Participants will receive hands-on training in handling, preparing, and replaying various sound formats, gaining practical experience essential for sound archiving and digitization projects.

The workshop is open to professionals involved in digitization projects, offering them a valuable opportunity to strengthen their expertise in audio preservation.