The digitisation of photographic collections

Abstract

The management of photographic collections present certain unique problems due to their heterogeneous nature. The purpose of this study is to analyse these potential problem areas and to determine how these can be resolved through the digitisation of photographic collections. The following areas are addressed: the capturing and enhancement of photographic images; data formats and storage; metadata and the retrieval of photographic images. In order to determine to what extent the principles and findings set out in the study are applied in practice, a case study was done of the Digitisation Project of the MuseumAfrica. This was followed by an evaluation of the findings of the case study as well as recommendations with regard to elements of the Museum's project that could possibly be improved upon or done differently. In conclusion a summarised overview is presented of the findings of the study as well as some remarks on possible future developments regarding the management of photographic collections within a digital environment.