Siobhan,
 
This is a great question, and I would love to hear the results of your research. Members of our society are split on this. I think that digitization serves a useful purpose because it reduces the need to look at the actual photo, handle it, etc. We also use scans often in our exhibits, rather than the real thing. But I don't think that digital images will ever be the same as the real thing. Given a choice between a negative of the photo or a scan of the photo, for back-up purposes, I would rather have the neg. Technology changes quickly, and we are a small organization that may not be able to afford upgrades or new equipment in order to keep up - so I guess I'd say that I'm very concerned about obsolescence.
 
As far as accepting digital images into the collection, it looks like we will probably accept digital images from digital cameras at some point, and also high resolution digital images when there is no other way to get them (ie. the donor refuses to part with them for longer than it takes to scan). I'd prefer to accession scanned images done by a scanning tech, rather than by my assistant or myself. I definitely feel uneasy about accepting scanned images, but I feel some pressure from board members who are in love with the digital medium.
 
Hope this helps.
Erica
 

Erica S. Maniez
Museum Director, Issaquah Historical Society
425/392-3500
[log in to unmask]
www.issaquahhistory.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Siobhan Davis
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 7:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: MA Museology Research

Dear List Members,
 
I am currently undertaking research for my MA Museology dissertation, which addresses the impact of digital technology on museum photographic collections.
 
I am particularly interested in guidelines or in house policies dealing with the digitisation of photographs and the collection and storage of digital material.
 
How members think digital archives have/ will affect the use of photographic collections?
 
Have members any particular concerns about the rapid obsolescence of digital technology with regard to the longevity and accessibility of digital material - both reproductions and original work?
 
Any feedback or suggestions of reading material would be very much appreciated.
 
Siobhan Davis
University of East Anglia
Norwich
UK
 
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