LTOBandarchiv

LTOBandarchiv is a nonprofit archival initiative dedicated to the long-term preservation and access of materials related to bands and their performances. The archive collects and curates audio recordings, video and audiovisual materials, manuscripts, photographs, posters, press clippings and other ephemera that document the history and activity of musical groups.

Its holdings strive to cover a wide range of genres, geographies and time periods, including both well-known acts and local or unsigned bands. The emphasis is on materials that offer unique documentation of performances, recording sessions, tours, and the cultural context surrounding bands.

Access is provided through a combination of a digital discovery portal and a physical reading room. Researchers, students and the general public may request access; some items are available online, while others require in-person access or licensing due to rights restrictions.

Preservation practices include digitization of analog sources, format migration, and redundant storage in geographically distributed repositories. Metadata follows established archival standards to support discovery, provenance, and rights management, with use of standards such as Dublin Core, PREMIS for preservation metadata, and METS for packaging.

Organization and funding: LTOBandarchiv is governed by a cooperative network of libraries, archives, universities and music institutions. It operates with a governance board and editorial committees and relies on grants, donations, and institutional support to sustain acquisitions, digitization, and access programs.