Distributed National Collection Project

What is the Distributed National Collection?

The Distributed National Collection is the concept of a cooperative national network approach to identifying and managing cultural collections across Australia. It has been used for many years in the more traditional library context and has direct relevance for the audiovisual collecting community. The approach aims to rationalise collections, avoid unnecessary duplication and provide more Australians with greater access to the National Collection of audiovisual materials.

How does the Archive support the Distributed National Collection?

The National Film and Sound Archivehas a national responsibility for the collection (Collection Development Policy) and preservation of Australia's audiovisual heritage. Through this role, the Archive is in a natural position to strategically coordinate the Distributed National Collection of audiovisual material. Through the Distributed National Collection Project, the Archive aims to support collecting organisations across Australia to preserve their audiovisual collections and to make these collections more accessible.

The National Film and Sound Archive is working to:

  • identify relevant audiovisual holdings nationwide
  • target organisations whose audiovisual collections are regarded as being at risk for priority attention and advice
  • initiate assessment visits to collecting organisations to consult on and review audio-visual collection content, conditions and future actions
  • build networks through the use of the Internet
  • provide advice on preservation, supply sources, Archive services and collection interests, training and grant opportunities.

The National Film and Sound Archive provides a wide range of services and resources that can be of benefit to organisations with audiovisual collections including:

Would you like to know more about the Distributed National Collection Project?

If you would like to know more about how the Distributed National Collection Project can help to preserve your audiovisual collection, please contact:

Collection Development
Distributed National Collection Project Coordinator
National Film and Sound Archive
PO Box 2002
CANBERRA CITY 2601

Telephone: +61 2 6248 2147
Fax: +61 2 6248 2167
Email: collection.nfsa@afc.gov.au

Links to Distributed National Collection Network Websites