National Recording Preservation Board and the National Recording Registry
Preserving the auditory history of a nation requires a dedicated effort to identify and protect sounds that define a culture. In the United States, this mission is carried out by the National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB), a federal agency housed within the Library of Congress. The board ensures that recordings of immense cultural, historical, or aesthetic value are not lost to time.
Key Facts
- Established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–474).
- Manages the National Recording Registry to preserve significant sound recordings.
- Eligible recordings for the Registry must be at least ten years old.
- The NRPB is a federal agency, while the National Recording Preservation Foundation (NRPF) is a separate non-profit entity.
- The board consists of representatives from 17 professional organizations and up to 5 at-large members.
The Mission of the National Recording Registry
The primary purpose of the National Recording Registry is to maintain and preserve sound recordings that are deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. To ensure the recordings have a proven legacy, the board requires that any recording be at least ten years old before it becomes eligible for selection.
Beyond selection, the NRPB serves as a critical advisory body. Its members provide guidance to the Librarian of Congress regarding the ongoing development and implementation of the national recorded sound preservation program.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Governance and Legal Framework
The NRPB was formally created under the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000. This legislation was pivotal as it established two distinct entities: the federal National Recording Preservation Board and the non-profit National Recording Preservation Foundation (NRPF). While the two are loosely affiliated, they remain legally distinct entities, separating federal oversight from private-sector support.
Core Responsibilities
The board is tasked with several high-level mandates to ensure the longevity of American sound:
- Developing the specific selection criteria used for the National Recording Registry.
- Reviewing and recommending nominees for inclusion in the Registry.
- Creating a National Recording Preservation Study and Action Plan, modeled after the efforts of the National Film Preservation Board.
Organizational Structure
The board is appointed by the Librarian of Congress. To ensure a diverse range of expertise, the membership includes professionals from the recording industry, musicology, archiving, and librarianship. The board is composed of up to 5 "at-large" members and 17 member/alternate pairs representing the following organizations:
- American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
- American Federation of Musicians
- American Folklore Society
- American Musicological Society
- Association for Recorded Sound Collections
- Audio Engineering Society
- Broadcast Music Incorporated
- Country Music Foundation
- Digital Media Association
- Music Library Association
- National Archives and Records Administration
- National Academy of Popular Music
- National Association of Recording Merchandisers
- National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
- Recording Industry Association of America
- SESAC
- Society for Ethnomusicology
| Entity | Type | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB) | Federal Agency | Selection, criteria development, and federal advisory. |
| National Recording Registry | Collection/List | The official catalog of preserved significant recordings. |
| National Recording Preservation Foundation (NRPF) | Non-profit | Private-sector support and affiliation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Recording Preservation Board?
The NRPB is a federal agency within the Library of Congress established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 to oversee the preservation of significant sound recordings.
How old must a recording be to enter the National Recording Registry?
To be eligible for the Registry, a sound recording must be at least ten years old.
What is the difference between the NRPB and the NRPF?
The NRPB is a federal agency responsible for policy and selection, whereas the NRPF is a separate, legally distinct non-profit organization.
Who appoints the members of the board?
The members of the National Recording Preservation Board are appointed by the Librarian of Congress.
What criteria are used to select recordings for preservation?
Recordings are selected based on whether they are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, using criteria developed by the board.