Librarians,
archivists and curators in charge of photographic materials
need to know about the role of new technology in collection
management. Digital imaging offers unprecedented opportunities
for access to historical materials. But how can it be
combined with established preservation methods in an integrated
strategy, to ensure optimal access today as well as in
the future?
Three workshops on management of photographic collections
in 2001, 2002 and 2003 will address this issue. The workshops
will cover essentially the same topics and will be organized
by the European Commission on Preservation and Access
(ECPA).
They are part of the SEPIA (`Safeguarding European Photographic
Images for Access') project, subsidized by the Culture
2000 programme of the European Union.
Introduction.
The characteristics of various photographic processes
and the different materials encountered in photographic
collections will be reviewed. Specific requirements for
their handling and preservation will be related to the
nature and function of different types of photographic
collections. The workshops will explore the different
methods for capturing images (especially for fragile or
sensitive materials), technical requirements in relation
to image quality, and long-term management of digital
files. Issues will be approached as management problems,
and due attention will be given to aspects like needs
assessment, setting priorities, planning, budgeting and
outsourcing, and project management.
In the scope of the workshop, participants will acquire
knowledge of technical issues that will enable them to
make informed decisions about the role of digitization
in care and management of photographic collections.
The speakers include leading figures from the field of
photographic conservation, preservation management, and
digital imaging, who have first-hand knowledge of the
challenges facing managers of photographic collections.
They will present outlines of issues and practical cases,
and a substantial part of the workshops will be spent
on discussions and group assignments to develop participants’
skills in finding their own solutions.
Topics and features
The nature of photography: history of photography, identification
of photographic materials and techniques, forms of deterioration
Preservation: preventive measures, environmental issues,
storage, packaging, handling, effect on life span; duplication:
analogue or digital; financial and managerial aspects
of preservation
Digital imaging: planning a digitization project, goals,
selection criteria, technical specifications, scanning,
color management, image enhancement yes or no? quality
control; scanning & preservation, management of digital
assets: long-term access to digital archives, descriptions
& metadata
Collection management: photographic collections &
institutions, users’ requirements, defining preservation
policies, storing and displaying photographs, digitization
as one option in collection management
Case study: participants will work in small groups on
a project combining digitization and preservation aspects.
key words: planning, assessment, defining goals and priorities,
workplan, budgeting, staffing
The course will be in English.
Daily sessions from appr. 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Course
ends Wednesday appr. 4 pm.