The Great 78 Project not only preserves audio recordings but also captures key information about the era, such as labels, copyright details, and catalogue numbers. The project is essential since 78 RPM records are rarely found in stores, making their historical significance challenging to access. Critics argue that the recordings are already available on various services, but supporters like Nathan Georgitis believe that IA’s mission to preserve and provide consistent access to content over time is crucial. This unique approach allows researchers and music enthusiasts to delve into the physicality of the records, uncovering a wealth of hidden history that would otherwise be lost.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/03/music-labels-will-regret-coming-for-the-internet-archive-sound-historian-says/