Gregory Helmstetter, New York Public Library, Preservation of Audio and Moving Image Unit, Fall 2017
At NYPL, I was introduced to various aspects of a large-scale preservation workflow which ranged from reformatting of magnetic media to digital preservation practices and managing digital assets. I began with the basic-level tasks such as reformatting and write-blocking hard drives to more advanced processes like hard-wipe a computer and reinstall the operating system and all the other software required for the daily activities of a digital preservation station. This helped me form a better understanding how digital tools function on a more granular level and how to use newer digital technology to make a digital preservation workflow run more efficiently. I was tasked with quality control checking digital files that had been transferred from U-matic, VHS, Betamax, and 1/4-inch open reel and audiocassettes. Further I was introduced to many command line tools to more efficiently and safely manage digital collections.
Gregory Helmstetter interning at New York Public Library in Fall 2017
