Introduction to Imaging: Issues in Constructing an Image Database, by Howard Besser and Jennifer Trant, is a project of The Getty Information Institute, a program of the J. Paul Getty Trust. This site discusses the many issues involved in the creation of an image database. Introduction to Imaging has been developed to help “curators, librarians, collection managers, administrators, scholars, and students understand the basic technology and processes involved in creating an image database” (from the Introduction). While this project deals with digitizing works of art, the principles put forth are of value to anyone considering the creation of a digital archive.
This site is best suited for the person with little or no experience or knowledge of digital imaging. The first section, What is a Digital Image?, discusses the various formats of images, how they are saved, and the advantages and disadvantages of each format. Monitor vs. Print Display explains the differences between these formats and the problems one may encounter. Resolution discusses the issues of print versus screen resolution and how these will affect the way in which the picture to be digitized is scanned. There is a thorough section on the types of scanners available and the pros and cons of each. Other sections discuss documentation, dynamic range, access, display devices, the working environment, compression, security, networks, and much more. There is a section near the end listing links to additional sources of information. These include information on listservs, newsgroups, the Museum Educational Site Licensing Project, the National Initiative for Networked Cultural Heritage, The Research Libraries Group, the Commission on Preservation and Access, and the Task Force on Digital Archiving among others.
Introduction to Imaging includes a full complement of image examples. These are among the best I have seen on this topic. For example, as the authors talk about the various imaging techniques, graphics are included to show visually what is discussed in the text and how the choice of file type and resolution will affect a project. In addition, there are links throughout the pages to the extensive glossary.
This site is a must for anyone considering a digitizing project. The explanations are clear and the example graphics are a must see. I highly recommend this site.
