Qatar National Library (QNL) recently partnered with the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) to translate four pivotal publications from IASA’s Technical Committee into Arabic. These translations aim to empower regional organizations and professionals in the MENA region to leverage IASA’s technical conservation expertise in preserving audiovisual cultural heritage. Tan Huism, Executive Director of QNL, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing preservation efforts in the region, particularly in safeguarding audiovisual heritage, which is vulnerable due to its format.
Patrick J Midtlyng, President of IASA, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with QNL and emphasized the global importance of these publications. By translating these key documents into Arabic, IASA is fulfilling its mission to promote international cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of sound and audiovisual archives. Maxim Nasra, Head of the Preservation and Conservation Center at QNL, emphasized the practical impact of these translations, stating that they provide crucial guidelines to enhance the capabilities of professionals working with audiovisual archives in the MENA region.
Jennifer Vaughn, IASA Editor, highlighted the significance of making these publications accessible to Arabic-speaking audiences worldwide. The translations mark a significant milestone in the commitment to making essential preservation knowledge globally accessible, empowering diverse communities to effectively safeguard their audiovisual heritage. The publications cover important topics such as Ethics, Principles, and Preservation Strategy of audiovisual heritage, Guidelines for the Production and Preservation of Digital Audio Objects, Handling and Storage of Audio and Video Carriers, and Guidelines for the Preservation of Video Recordings. These resources serve as foundational tools in the long-term preservation of cultural memory.
The partnership between QNL and IASA represents a step forward in advancing heritage preservation efforts in the MENA region and beyond. By providing Arabic translations of crucial publications, regional organizations and professionals now have access to valuable resources to support their work in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage. The collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to promoting international cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of sound and audiovisual archives.
As Qatar National Library continues to play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and best practices in preservation, the collaboration with IASA further solidifies its commitment to supporting the preservation of cultural heritage in the MENA region. The translated publications will enable professionals in the region to enhance their capabilities in preserving audiovisual heritage, ensuring that these resources are safeguarded for future generations. This partnership exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in advancing heritage preservation efforts and promoting the dissemination of knowledge in the field.