Denise,
 
Approximately how many objects are in the Museum's collection? As you know,  
digitizing entire collections is a quite a task, so I'm wondering what kind of 
 time you have to commit to this etc? Is the board expecting you do complete 
this  project by yourself?
 
Digitizing collections should be part of an overall documentation plan.  
While photographing objects (and therefore handling them), this is a great  
opportunity to update/produce condition reports and re-house them if need be.  The 
documentation plan will also guide you through the entire process. 
 
There are some objects (like documents, photographs) that you may be better  
off scanning. Digitizing collections serves so many purposes. Photographing 
the  collections and having negatives available for future use/reference is a 
great  backup. This is a great option if the museum has a photographic scanner 
(that  can scan negatives). 
 
Using black and white limits options. If you use color film and/or a  digital 
camera...these can be converted into black and white images. Having  
negatives available for reference/use is a more viable option than having prints  made 
for every object. 
 
Ok I want to get back to the scope of your project here. Is is realistic  for 
you to complete this project on your own? I'm getting the impression that  
the board has high expectations here and that they may be expecting too much  
from you as a volunteer?
 
Any project that you undertake should be something that another can readily  
pick up on if you are unable to complete it, etc. Also, I was wondering if you 
 could narrow down the scope of the project and say - start by documenting  
(photographing, etc) all the ceramics in the collections, a special collection, 
 the photographic collections, etc. 
 
Good luck - keep us posted on your progress!
 
Pam
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 1/17/2006 9:54:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

 
 
Greetings to the list, 
I have volunteered to photograph the collection of the local historic  
house/museum (READ SMALL MUSEUM/ Practically Nonexistant Budget!). Having said  
that, I would like some advice from the sages on this list regarding my  
endeavor.... 
The board wants the collection photographed with a digital camera;  fair 
enough, but, in light of the non-archival quality of digital photography,  
shouldn't I also photograph it with B&W film?  (I need to speak to  members of the 
board to get needed supplies) 
Any additional advice on proceding with what almost seems like a daunting  
task is welcomed! (i.e. what type of paperwork to keep..etc.) 
Thanks so much in advance! 
Denise








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