[Tig] Obsolete Video Equipment Survey

[Jeffrey Martin]

Apologies for cross-posting--and for the fact that this is slightly off-topic. But I hope that some of you will be willing and able to help with a survey dedicated to obsolete videotape playback equipment.

Independent Media Arts Preservation, Inc. (IMAP) is undertaking a nationwide survey of archives, libraries, artists, collectors, media centers, and individuals who own, maintain, or need access to obsolete videotape playback equipment.  We are seeking the participation of anyone who is involved with this increasingly rare technology, no matter the size of the collection, its condition, or its current use.  

The survey is designed to determine the viability and the potential user base for a cataloging tool designed for video playback equipment, as well as a possible online registry iteration of this database.

This survey will seek to:

•	Determine the location of obsolete video equipment in the U.S. – what kinds of institutions and individuals hold this equipment, and what formats are held where
•	Clarify the needs of these institutions in terms of repair, supplies, parts, service, sharing or stockpiling equipment
•	Explore other initiatives that may be of service to these groups


The survey will be used to generate a report, which will be made available on the IMAP website. We also plan to develop a registry of sources for remastering, parts, and service based on the survey responses.

We welcome anyone who is interested in this vital preservation issue to participate in the survey.  

A link to the survey can be found on IMAP’s website: www.imappreserve.org.  It will remain active for a limited time, so please take 15 minutes and fill it out. We really need your input.  Thank you.

For further information, please contact Jeff Martin at jjm332 at nyu.edu , or Dara Meyers-Kingsley at imap at imappreserve.org.

The IMAP Obsolete Equipment Survey project has been made possible by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.


Jeff Martin
for IMAP
Washington, DC