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**Apologies for cross-posting** Many, perhaps most archives, museums and libraries in the UK & Ireland hold audio materials within their collections, often containing unique material. Very often audiovisual material will come to a repository as part of a larger collection, requiring distinct resources in the form of equipment and expertise. All archives face challenges as to how they might actively preserve audiovisual collections for the long term, and how best to provide access to them. Many media are degrading on the shelves, while others are becoming unplayable due to obsolescence of equipment. All deserve to be preserved, but in a rapidly changing technological environment it can be hard to form a strategy, especially for repositories where audio materials account for a small percentage of holdings and specialisation lies elsewhere. British & Irish Sound Archives (BISA) is a new forum in which to discuss such issues. Membership currently covers a wide range of experience, from individuals and regional or specialist collections to national institutions, including the British Library, the BBC and RTE. If you are aware of audio material but are unsure what to do next, you are especially welcome. Our discussion list allows members to share knowledge on all aspects of audio archiving, and questions range from general to specific, from seemingly simple to complex. Our annual meetings feature a mix of reports from local archives, current research and practical workshops on working with audio media. They also offer a chance to meet and make contact with others responsible for audio heritage, ask questions on all audio-related topics and share experiences. Membership of BISA is currently free, and you are warmly invited to join, via www.bisa-web.org/. All those based in the Anglo-Celtic Archipelago (ok then, British Isles) with a professional or demonstrable interest in the issues above are welcome to join, take advantage of our online discussion list and attend annual meetings. Our next meeting will be held at the Wessex Film and Sound Archive, Winchester, Hampshire on 5th and 6th June, where in addition to a full programme of speakers there will be a workshop covering all aspects of caring for and working with audio cassettes. Full programme and registration details are on our website. Will .............................................. Will Prentice Technical Services British Library Sound Archive Tel: +44 (0)20-7412-7443 96 Euston Road Fax: +44 (0)20-7412-7416 London NW1 2DB http://www.bl.uk UK http://cadensa.bl.uk (online catalogue)