Audiovisual Preservation Specialist

Job Title

Day in the Life

An audiovisual preservation specialist is responsible for processing and preserving source materials. Preservation specialists work with a variety of media and formats including BETA, cassettes, VHS, ¼", U-matic, and so on and the legacy equipment on which these collections are played. Audiovisual preservation specialists primarily perform digitization services of audio and visual materials for research, archival, exhibition, publication, online access, and preservation needs. Audiovisual preservation specialists work closely with conservators, collection care specialists, editors, and reference specialists to accomplish their work.

This job requires an attention to detail and passion for organizing historical records through the lens of audiovisual media. Audiovisual preservation specialists use their knowledge of archival standards and audio, video, and film equipment to create accessible recordings. Individuals who enjoy learning about past audiovisual technologies and developing processes to preserve them would be a good fit for this profession.

Experience Pathway

An audiovisual preservation specialist will preferably have five or more years of production experience in an audiovisual related field and a bachelor’s degree in commercial music or an advanced degree such as a master’s degree in media archiving preservation, sound recording technology, media arts, audio engineering, video engineering, film technology, or a related degree. Many audiovisual preservation specialists participate in global, national, and local professional organizations.

Thoughts from Our Audiovisual Preservation Specialists

“Working on the AV Preservation team as a specialist has given me the opportunity to use my skill set to interact with the history of audio in a way I would not experience anywhere else. I love working through the legacy format types to help bring back into the light the stories of people who may not have been heard in the past.”