Research Forum Presentation: Ephemeral Music: Electroacoustic Music Collections in the United States

Authors
Adriana P. Cuervo, Assistant Archivist for Music and Fine Arts, Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

SAA Presentation
SAA 2008 Presentation

Abstract
Electroacoustic music, created in a digital environment without using traditional notation on paper, relies on the use of technology for its interpretation and performance. The widespread use of this compositional technique challenges archivists to guarantee the long-term preservation and access to the original sonic experience of these creative works which can be though of as born-digital records. Composers often rely on a combination of commercial software and home-grown hardware to create electroacoustic compositions, and performance becomes the only avenue of experiencing the work as a whole. This music is slowly disappearing since standards for its long-term access have not been developed and the creators are not taking a proactive approach to move into a sustainable access model.

In this platform presentation I will report on the results of a recently completed study of electronic music collections in libraries and archives across the United States in order to establish the span of such collections and their institution’s preservation strategies. I will determine the extent of the material currently held by libraries and archives and I will establish whether the repositories are actively collecting these types of compositions, or if these types of materials are just a byproduct of other collection development policies. Finally, I will determine if they are pursuing any preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to this digital content. This study lays the foundation of future preservation and effective long-term access initiatives for born-digital music as well as similar born-digital artistic works.