I am currently applying to a graduate program, and am developing a thesis
project proposal that would orient itself around designing and improving the
accessibility and organization of digitized collections of images,
particularly in conjunction with the internet & www. I am searching for
anyone who could offer some details of their experience in working with any
sort of collection of this sort, from an online database such as that at
the LOC, to PhotoCDs etc., even quick time archives and sound files. Your
input is greatly appreciated and valued.
In order to generate some response, some questions follow about digitized
collections of images (again, not limited to photographs) for those who have
used them to any extent.
Replies could be made to me directly ([log in to unmask]), and I will
summarize, unless you all feel that it's important enough to post directly
to the list. If you've other comments, please feel free to substitute them
for the Q's that follow.
(1) What are the collections you've worked with? What was your reason
for, or capacity in, using it? How would you describe the collection in
terms of its better attributes and its difficulties?
(2) What are the difficulties you encounter in using these collections
that you do not find when dealing with ordinary collections (i.e.
collections of real photos/etc. as opposed to digitized ones)? What
advantages do they offer you? Do these balance out?
(3) Are there any advantages/disadvantages to organization that you find
exclusive to one or the other? Common to both?
(4) What sort of search tools did this system employ? Was it simply
keywording? And what sort of content was keyworded in the collection?
(i.e. photographer, date, medium, subject matter, etc.)
How useful do you find keywording as a means to find what you're
looking for? When is it a limiting factor in looking for what you want?
Have you ever seen any other means for searching through a digital
database?
(5) Do you look forward to greater improvements in digitizing collections?
Why or why not? What areas do you think require the most improvement?
What would make them more accessible to you?
If there are lurkers/posters from the private (i.e. commercial) as well as
the public (i.e. academic) sectors out there, I am equally interested in
both areas, and particularly their intersections.
Again, my deepest appreciation to any and all who could spare the time to
provide some thoughtful responses. Cheers!
Ed Bridges
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PO Box 365 Cooper Station
New York, NY 10276-0365
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