Increased curatorial involvement in digitization programs is needed for both preservation and access of cultural collections. A national center of excellence is also needed to encourage the digitization of cultural collections, provide research and advice to meet cultural institutions' needs, and facilitate local collaboration and training. This center could help coordinate the collection of born-digital cultural material and address issues specific to Australia like funding models, public expectations, and broadband infrastructure.

1. Preservation, Web 2.0 and chamber orchestras following the lead of the Australian Chamber Orchestra with our cultural digitisation programs Museums Australia Futures Forum Canberra, May 2008 Mal Booth Head, Research Centre

2. Instruments, music Players Performances Tours & broadcasts Artistic leadership Recorded music CCollections, stories CCurators EExhibits, interpretation TTours, websites CCuratorial leadership DDigitised collections MMuseums

5. But first, some fundamental steps Digital preservation of, and access to our cultural collections Realising that what is good for preservation is also good for access Curatorial involvement in digitisation programs

6. Going beyond the 2006 Summit on Digital Collections A national centre of excellence is now needed to encourage the digitisation of cultural collections To provide research & advice – for our needs To facilitate local collaboration & training A shared repository? Amazon S3 ; Google App Engine Coordination of the collection of born digital cultural material

7. Why we need our own centre Different funding models Different public expectations Australian broadband & mobile coverage & plans Progress already made here

8. I am calling for: Increased curatorial involvement in digitisation programs – for both preservation and access. A national centre of excellence in cultural digitisation to encourage, assist, coordinate and advise us.