REGIONAL AV HOLDINGS SURVEY
Report and Educational Programming Project
July 2026 update: Thanks to a Cultural Support Services grant from 4Culture, MIPoPS has continued work on the Regional Audiovisual Holdings Survey: Report and Educational Programming Project.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the survey. Your time, insights, and willingness to participate in both the survey and follow-up interviews have been invaluable. Because of your contributions, we’re putting the finishing touches on the final report, which will be released publicly in the coming weeks.
To continue the conversation following the final report, we are hosting a Best Practices Day on August 13. That will be followed by three free training opportunities for archivists and caretakers of audiovisual heritage, with the topics chosen based on the feedback collected in the survey responses.
Please see the schedule and descriptions below. Registration information and more details to come.
Background
In 2025, with support from a 4Culture grant, MIPoPS conducted a survey of archives, heritage organizations, historical societies, museums, libraries, universities, arts organizations, and artists in the Pacific Northwest region to assess current needs and available resources with respect to preserving the magnetic media in their collections. Our goal was to pinpoint the challenges of audio and videotape preservation in the Northwest and find solutions.
The data collected will inform future planning for our organization, ensuring we fulfill our mission to save local history one tape at a time and prioritize the most urgent needs of the archival community. The resulting data-driven report is intended to guide direct assistance efforts and serve as an advocacy tool for organizations and individuals seeking resources, funding, and support to ensure this irreplaceable content is not lost.
Our 2025 Regional Audiovisual Holdings Survey was inspired by the incredible work of Mapping the Magnetic Media Landscape, a nationwide project designed to gain an understanding of the field of media digitization and conservation. All archives, heritage organizations, historical societies, museums, libraries, universities, arts organizations and artists in the Northwest region were encouraged to submit responses.
Best Practices Day: Regional AV Survey Report
Thursday, August 13, 2026
3:00-5:00 PM
Seattle City Hall
Room 370
During this event, we’ll share key findings from the survey, discuss what the reveal about the state of audiovisual preservation in our region, and explore practical ways archives can use the report and other resources to advocate for funding, training, and long-term preservation support. We hope you’ll join us as we discuss the survey results and work together to strengthen audiovisual preservation across the Pacific Northwest.
Getting Started with a Preservation Plan
Thursday, August 27, 2026
3:00-5:00 PM
Seattle City Hall
Room 370
Preserving audiovisual collections can feel overwhelming, but a thoughtful preservation plan can help you prioritize your work and make the most of your available resources. Sometimes the hardest part is just knowing where to start. In this workshop, archivists from MIPoPS will introduce the essential components of a preservation plan. Participants will learn how to assess their collections, identify preservation priorities, document workflows, and develop realistic strategies for the long-term care of audiovisual materials.
Digital Formats, File Care, and Long-Term Digital Storage
Thursday, September 17, 2026
3:00-5:00 PM
Federal Way Library
Makerspace
Digitization is not preservation; it’s only the first step in preserving audiovisual collections. Learning how to organize, manage, and store digital files is essential for ensuring long-term access. In this workshop, archivists from Moving Image Preservation of Puget Sound will introduce common digital audiovisual file formats, archival standards and best practices for organizing and caring for digital files, integrity checks, and strategies for long-term digital storage. Participants will learn practical approaches to protecting their digital collections and reducing the risk of data loss.
Identification, Condition Assessment, and Data Collection
Thursday, October 1, 2026
3:00-5:00 PM
Duvall Historical Society
Understanding what you have is the first step toward preserving it. Learning to identify formats and recognize preservation needs will help you make informed decisions about your collection. In this workshop, archivists from Moving Image Preservation of Puget Sound will provide hands-on experience identifying common audiovisual formats and evaluating their condition. Participants will learn how to identify the different audio and videotape formats in their collections, recognize signs of deterioration, and gather the metadata needed to plan for preservation and digitization.
