Information technology and history: The Scottish Screen Archive calls for video preservation of the national history

The Scottish Screen Archive (SSA), which is part of the National Library of Scotland, wants to collect the films and videos now as there is a danger they could be lost forever. They will be added to the national collection of film held by the SSA which provides a wonderful and unique record of Scotland in the 20th century.

Since the 1980s, most individuals, organisations or community groups used video to capture ordinary life, local events, changes to their neighbourhood or to promote local interests.

However as video is becoming increasingly obsolete, tapes are being thrown away and these unique visual records from the last few decades could be lost forever.

The SSA is appealing to the public for help in saving these films to ensure the most complete record of life in Scotland from the 1970s up to the present day is preserved.

The SSA is looking for films from 1970 onwards and anyone who can help is asked to contact the archive by completing an online submission form or by e-mailing.