AMIA 2024

The Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade papers at Emory University’s Rose Library is a 307 linear feet collection showcasing the artistic legacies of two Black pioneers in dance, choreography, visual arts, and theater. Media material in the collection covers a significant array of performances, rehearsals, and artistic research that spans across VHS tapes, film reels, CDs, and Betacam tapes totaling 1957 items across 46 boxes. This presentation will discuss strategies, lessons learned, and successes in managing this media-rich collection amid COVID-19 challenges, detailing AV inventory creation and effective arrangement and description strategies. It will also discuss the ways Rose Library's leadership and existing policies and procedures supported the process and how this collection highlighted areas of improvement in our documentation practices.  Attendees will gain insights into managing large-scale AV projects and promoting inclusive archival practices, both vital for preserving the cultural heritage of performing artists.