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By William Carter

As society continues its march into the digital era, the need to preserve historical records and make them accessible to the public is more critical than ever. CLIR’s new Grantee Spotlight series will introduce the scholars, researchers, and preservationists whose work is made possible through the generous support of CLIR’s regranting programs, Recordings at Risk and Digitizing Hidden Collections, generously funded by The Mellon Foundation. 

These videos offer a rare opportunity to meet the people behind the projects, showcasing the passion and dedication that fuel cultural preservation efforts. While the grants themselves are widely recognized, it’s rare to hear directly from the individuals who ensure that our shared history is protected for future generations.

In this first installment, we meet Lisa Nguyen, a digital archivist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), who offers insight into the university’s preservation efforts after receiving a Recordings at Risk grant in August 2024. UCSF is still in the early stages of this ambitious project, but the impact promises to be significant.

UCSF’s archives support the institution’s mission to advance health through research and education. “We focus on health-related topics like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and alternative medicine,” Nguyen explained.

The collections also preserve community narratives that center patient voices—stories that are often overlooked in mainstream health discussions. “We’re really committed to making these narratives heard and accessible in a responsible manner,” Nguyen said.

UCSF’s latest preservation project involves digitizing approximately 200 films from the Selma Fraiberg collection, recorded over 60 years ago. These films hold historical value, especially in the study of child development and the early growth of blind infants.

Nguyen pointed out that many of the films had deteriorated over the years, making them prime candidates for preservation. “The archival process began with understanding Fraiberg’s work and the historical context of the films,” she noted. “We realized that, while daunting, the process is manageable when you take it step by step.”

Nguyen is part of a dynamic team led by Polina Ilieva, who is spearheading the CLIR grant project that promises to breathe new life into these archives. “We learned about this particular grant cycle through a listserv announcement,” she recalled. “CLIR’s mission resonates with us, especially in terms of preserving rare and at-risk recordings.”

Nguyen described the Recordings at Risk application process as rigorous but structured. Her team began in February, surveying their collection and preparing a detailed proposal. They received valuable support from CLIR staff, whose resources—including webinars and templates—helped shape their application.

Collaboration was also essential. UCSF’s finance and IT security teams worked closely with the archive to navigate ethical and technical challenges. Nguyen’s advice for future applicants: “Get a deep understanding of your collection’s significance and the risks it faces. Articulate how your project benefits not just your institution but the wider landscape—whether it’s scholars or the general public.”

She also emphasized starting early and paying close attention to logistical details, a vital aspect of securing funding for transformative projects like this one.

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