(10 June 2015, Canberra) The Australian Library and Information Association, Australian Society of Archivists, National & State Libraries Australasia and Museums Australia have expressed deep concern following this week’s news that the US company handling the digitization of Fairfax Media photo archives has gone into receivership.
It is tragic that these valuable photographs, capturing some of the greatest moments in recent Australian history, should be under threat as a result of being sent offshore to a commercial company to be put into a digital format.
This is a high profile example of the challenge facing collections in libraries, archives and museums all around Australia.
It is vital that Australia’s heritage is preserved in our institutions and that the photographs, documents, artworks and collection items are digitized and made accessible online.
Much has been achieved but there is a wealth of material yet to be tackled.
This needs an investment by the nation – governments, businesses and the community – to ensure that our cultural heritage is protected and preserved for future generations and put on the web for all to benefit.
The announcement is here.
