Purpose -This paper aims to explore the apparent under-estimation of the importance of the archives of "serious" British music. Design/methodology/approach -It considers what music archives are, their value, management issues, access and preservation efforts, and what needs to be done to ensure their survival. A case example of the Eastbourne Recorded Music Society is presented. Findings -The author concludes that, at all levels, something much more concerted than individual initiatives for

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... loguing or digitising specific collections needs to be done if the archival heritage of British music is to survive as it should. Originality/value -Aims to raise issues relevant for the records and archives of any third sector organisation.