Connecting Communities Through Open Media: Highlights from No Time To Wait 9 at the NLI

Dedicated to advancing open media, open standards, and digital audiovisual preservation, the conference was organised by the international NTTW organising committee, with the NLI’s Digital Collections team leading local coordination.

Over three inspiring days, the Library welcomed digital preservation practitioners from Ireland and around the world for a dynamic exchange of ideas, expertise, and collaboration. The energy was infectious, sparking new partnerships and fresh momentum that will carry forward in the months ahead.

Day 1: Workshops and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

The conference opened on Wednesday, 15 October, with a series of hands-on workshops and exclusive tours. Dr Leontien Talboom delivered a fascinating session on imaging floppy disks, while attendees explored the NLI’s exhibitions, including the Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibition, and enjoyed a special behind-the-scenes visit to the Irish Film Institute, who generously opened their doors for NTTW participants.

Day 2: Global Perspectives and Expert Insights

On Thursday, NLI Director Dr Audrey Whitty officially welcomed delegates to the event. The day’s programme featured an impressive lineup of international speakers from institutions such as Cambridge University Library, MoMA, and the Smithsonian Institution. Their presentations explored the evolving landscape of open standards, preservation workflows, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of digital collections.

Day 3: Showcasing Irish Innovation

The final day, Friday, highlighted the exceptional work happening across Ireland. Presentations from Anja Mahler (RTÉ), Dr Adam Girard and Iarlaith MacGabhann (ITMA), and a series of lightning talks from the NLI, UCD, DCU, DRI, and UL showcased the current state, and bright future of digital preservation in Ireland.

Watch the Sessions Online

For those who couldn’t attend in person (or want to revisit the sessions), the full conference recordings are available on the NTTW YouTube channel.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This outstanding event was made possible through the creativity, expertise, and dedication of the NLI’s incredible staff alongside the NTTW organisers. From behind-the-scenes planning to flawless delivery on the day, every contribution helped make No Time To Wait 9 not just a success, but an unforgettable celebration of open collaboration.

We’re proud of what we achieved together and are already looking ahead to next year’s conference in Warsaw.