The project objectives are: - improving the capacity of archivists, librarians, restorers, collectors about how to digitize with low-cost technology with focus on consumer film formats (8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm) and consumer-level videotapes (VHS, S-VHS, Betamax) via producing set of Continuing VET (CVET) training materials. The materials will be open, flexible and free; - improving the possibilities for additional training in the area of low cost films/tapes digitization via offering content structured as Units of Learning Outcomes using ECVET; - improving the capacity of target group about how to maintain analogue and digital materials; - improving the capacity of target group about how to restore analogue and digital materials (or at least to perform some simple fixing or saving procedures); - improving the knowledge and skills of the target group how to present attractively the digitized artifacts in front of wider audience;
Film and video digitization comes with a number of difficulties. First of all, there are a variety of formats, starting from old quadruplex videotapes and motion picture films like 35mm and ending with home film and video formats like 8mm, Super8 and VHS etc. Another problem, home/consumer formats (9.5mm, 8mm, VHS etc.) digitization is sometimes neglected by professional film archives. Many archives lack the necessary equipment to digitize or to even play these formats. Just 14.5% of films are digitized, and only 14% are archived, according to the European Parliament. Less than 8% of cataloged objects are digitized, and even fewer are available outside of public archives, according to partners' local searches. Another issue, small institutions confront is a lack of qualified personnel. Particularly vulnerable are "home movie" formats, such as 9.5mm, 8mm, Super8 and VHS, which record sometimes important events. These movies need to be preserved and digitalized immediately because the bigger national film archives frequently overlook them and because they degrade faster due to lower quality materials. It is essential to teach archivists in digitization and experience-sharing techniques in order to preserve this heritage.