Country Update

	AUSTRALIA

Friends of the NFSA launch newsletter
The Friends of the National Film and Sound Archive, Incorporated have published their first (February) newsletter, setting out a draft charter of the organization and including a discussion paper “A New Role for the Archive in the 21st Century”.       °     to seek ongoing public assessment and affirmation of the core responsibilities and functions of the Australian National Screen and Sound Archive and, to that		end, ensure the word “archive” is always used in the formal name of the Institution;       °     to promote the optimum flow of information and ideas between the Archive, the film and sound communities, and the community at large;       °     to promote principles of best practice and academic and professional excellence; and       °     to promote and support the international work of the Archive.		The newly established Friends was admitted to associate organizational membership of SEAPAVAA at the Singapore general assembly. Its patrons include Australian film personalities Bryan Brown, Anthony Buckley, Scott Hicks, Patricia Lovell, and Fred Schepisi.       For more information, contact Ms. Shelley Clarke: email address -- mercury3@ozemail.com.au -- or phone 612 6281 1284.

	MALAYSIA

NAM sets up the National Centre for Documentation and Preservation of Audiovisual Materials
Under the recent reorganization of the National Archives of Malaysia (NAM) effective January 2001, a new branch was established specifically to be responsible for the setting up and operation of the National Centre for Documentation and Preservation of Audiovisual Materials. The creation of the Centre was approved by government in July 1999.       The Centre’s functions will include the identification, acquisition, processing and documentation of audio-visual materials, provision of repository facilities, conservation and restoration activities, provision of research facilities, as well as organizing promotional and outreach programs.       Preliminary discussions with the Public Works Department of Malaysia had already begun in relation to building design, requirements, and specifications.       Joint study tours to similar centers in the region		had also been undertaken. The most recent was a group visit in January 2001 to Screensound Australia headed by the director general, Dató Habibah Zon.       At the department level, a principal committee and two working committees had been established to assist the newly set up branch overseeing the implementation of the project. This tandem will also supervise the day to day functions of the Centre. The committees will be responsible in formulating and providing guidelines on matters related to policies, procedures governing acquisition, accessioning, storage and access, building design and specifications, and proposals related to training and outreach programs.       It is envisioned that with the setting up of the Centre, film archiving in Malaysia will take on a new dimension and be at the forefront of activities in that country.

 

AV Archives Bulletin     7