Cataloguing gramophone disc records at the Museum of the University of Aveiro: a contribution to the integration of sound documents in multidisciplinary information platforms

Abstract

The University of Aveiro, in Portugal, currently holds a total of around 7359 gramophone disc records in its custody. This large number of gramophone disc records is a result of donations by individual collectors since 2012. These individual collectors took safeguarding initiatives, reuniting gramophone disc records that contained diverse repertoires such as fado, musical theatre, sound plays, Portuguese popular music, classical western music, poem recitation, religious music, and others. The disc records within these collections were published by several record companies, many of which are out of activity or of unknown origin. The labels are often either damaged, incomplete, or riddled with syntax errors and inaccurate translations. Catalogue, publisher and matrix numbers are not standardized across publishers. Reissues are sometimes difficult to identify due to the commercial and business practices common at the time. In order to describe the contents of these disc records, it is essential to listen, analyse and research said disc records thoroughly. The institutionalization of these collections requires digital preservation protocols. Due to the typology of these types of collections, there are dichotomies and different approaches regarding their treatment. Following a harmonization approach, in a GLAM scenario (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums), with this paper, I intend to share my experience in dealing with different norms of organization and representation of sound sources, and the guidelines that were followed in their implementation in the Museum of the University of Aveiro. With this case study, I also hope to promote the discussion about new approaches in the treatment of these types of collections.