Rick Prelinger

Rick Prelinger is a distinguished faculty member at the Film and Media Studies University of Colorado Boulder, where he brings his vast expertise as an archivist, filmmaker, writer, and educator to the academic community. Known for his pioneering work in media preservation, Prelinger has made significant contributions to the field through his extensive Prelinger Archives. Since 1983, he has meticulously curated a collection of over 90,000 films, which stands as a testament to his dedication and passion for preserving media history. In 2002, the Library of Congress recognized the immense value of Prelinger's work by acquiring 60,000 films from his collection, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of archival preservation. His commitment to making historical media accessible to the public is evident in his collaboration with the Internet Archive, where a portion of his collection is available for free online, allowing audiences worldwide to explore and learn from these invaluable resources. Prelinger's creative endeavors extend beyond archiving, as he has directed acclaimed films such as "Panorama Ephemera." His innovative project "No More Road Trips?" received a Creative Capital grant, highlighting his ability to blend historical content with contemporary storytelling techniques. His work in the realm of useful radio, exploring the often-overlooked technological aspects beyond traditional broadcast radio, has garnered him widespread recognition and respect in the academic and media communities. As an Emeritus Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Prelinger continues to influence the future of archives and media studies. His active involvement on the board of the Internet Archive underscores his ongoing commitment to the preservation and accessibility of media history. Through his teaching and research, Prelinger inspires a new generation of scholars and practitioners to appreciate the importance of media preservation and to explore innovative ways to engage with historical content.