Video Art / Media Art Preservation:  Studies and Suggestions                      THE DANISH VIDEO ART DATA BANK

Preservation – conservation – restoration. A definition of terms

 What can then be done?

 Let us first try a definition of terms because the three terms: preservation, conservation and restoration are often used interchangeable – also we  have to admit that we have done it in the DATA BANK newsletters. It is of course because they are related but on the other hand we should try to make a distinction and try to use the terms related to their specific meanings.

 Preservation
... covers all the activities and functions which help to make a suitable and safe environment for the video tapes – the comprehensive programs and activities  to safeguard the tapes, both old and new and both now and for the future. This also includes conservation and restoration.

 Conservation
... should stabilise and prevent further deterioration and damage to the video tapes and may include cleaning tapes and maintaining equipment and providing proper storage and handling procedures.

 Restoration
... covers both the restoration of the physical media and of the recorded information and may include actions to repair damaged tapes and equipment and to stop further deterioration in order to be able to access and playback the recorded information.