Judaica Sound Archives

Our Mission

The primary mission of the Judaica Sound Archives at FAU Libraries is to collect, preserve, and digitize Judaica sound recordings; to provide educational programming to highlight the contents of this rich cultural legacy; and to promote the use of this unique scholarly resource for students, scholars and the general public.

JSA trophy corner. Victrola console, awards & album covers

1926 Victor Talking Machine Company Victrola Credenza donated to the JSA
by Ms. Marlene Sellers.

The Work of the JSA involves

Collection: locating and soliciting donations of Judaica sound recordings;

Consolidation: processing the recordings once they arrive at FAU, both physically and digitally;

Internet Access: creating and maintaining a website: (http://jsa.fau.edu/)
for the use of students, scholars and the general public;

Cooperation: developing associations and alliances with other organizations;

Education: developing outreach programs and Internet materials which inform, entertain, and expand access to a valued cultural legacy;

Preservation: exploring avenues of financial support which will ensure the maintenance of the collection and the preservation of this unique and valuable cultural heritage.
Alliance: JSA is a founding member of the Alliance of Judaica Sound Archives (AJSA), an association which promotes the interests of entities engaged in the collection and preservation of Judaica recordings using and developing archives, and which encourages communication and cooperation among them.

JSA's Goals

To continue to aggressively seek out phonograph recordings, tapes and CDs.

To expand the number of online music selections by encouraging the co-operation and assistance of bona fide copyright holders.

To continue development of JSA Research Stations, off-site extensions of the FAU Library. Research stations will eventually have access to all of the digital assets of the Judaica Sound Archives.

To continue to reach out to university and community resources in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration to optimize the use and appreciation of JSA assets.

To secure funding for an endowment which will ensure the future of the Judaica Sound Archives collection.

To foster a spirit of ownership and belonging by providing a place at FAU Libraries for visitors to experience and enjoy the archives.