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As most people will tell you, this is a very “hot”
topic. We have just worked through a situation almost identical to yours. We
have been using ARGUS for years for both CMS and for imaging. Unfortunately,
ARGUS neither allows easy image access, nor does it seem cost effective based
on seat licenses. In addition, we wanted to include non-collection based
images. The other big issue was how to easily allow our users to access these
images in a safe manner and still make it easy for curators to get images
quickly. Here is our solution: The process used for putting images into ARGUS is a very
easy one. So much so, that we did not want to change that portion of our work
flow. In addition, we did not want to have to maintain two databases of
identical information and worry about updating and synchronizing. To this end,
we decided to use ARGUS for all collection images and a custom database for no
collection. The non-collection DB uses MySQL since it is free and pretty easy
to use. To unify the two databases, I wrote a few ASP.NET based
pages (for our intranet) that query the databases and output XML results. I
then spent some time writing a nice front end application to use those pages.
The end result is an application that I install on all workstations. It can
query both ARGUS and our non-collections DB. It displays thumbnails which can
be added to an image basket. The basket can be saved as an XML file, or the
images can be saved. The images can be sent as attachments to an email, stored
to a folder, or added to a PowerPoint presentation, all through this
application. I should also mention that for each image we have 3 files: an
archive quality, a medium res., and a thumbnail. The images that are generated
by the program are resized from the archive when needed. This allows users to “access”
the archive for quality purposes, without actually touching the archive image
itself. Since all of the image manipulation is automated, the curators can
select 70 images and have them in a PowerPoint presentation in a few minutes. As for storage, that is an on-going question. We currently
have a large storage array holding our images. The array is ~200GB and
currently holds roughly 5,000 images with tons of room to spare. Our archive
quality is 8x10 @ 300dpi which makes each image roughly 20megs or less. We are
getting ready to do a full collection inventory which will involve imaging the
entire 30,000+ object collection. We may migrate to a larger store for that.
Obviously, we have these folders secured to prevent any unwanted problems. For those interested, here is the manual for my imaging
front-end, Pic-See: http://www2.chrysler.org/collections/tempimages/manual.pdf And here is a screenshot: http://www2.chrysler.org/collections/tempimages/sspicsee.jpg Not to plug my program, but staff here has absolutely loved
it. It has completely changed the way many departments work. We have also
been able to make the full switch away from slide projectors to full digital
imaging. In addition, it is designed to be able to add additional databases
should the need arise. This would allow us to incorporate our library database
if they started to image their books, etc. Please feel free to call me or email me if you have any
questions. Technology Manager (757)333-6302 (o) (757)664-6201 (f) -----Original Message----- The One of our major stumbling blocks is how to store our
images. Do we have two image servers -- one for the photo studio and one
for everything else -- or do we have one image server. What software do
we use to manage the images -- collection and non-collection. We have three major types of images authorized collection images taken
by our photographer images taken by our conversation
division non-collection images which
includes
images of our buildings
images of social/development events -- gala, parties, etc.
images of educational events -- family day, seminars, lectures, etc. We are using Argus for our collections management system. I would appreciate being able to correspond and/or talk with
any of you who are in the midst of this process or have a digital imaging plan
in place. Thank you, Nancy Pinn The 410-547-9000 ext 339 Palace of Wonders: The New Galleries of Renaissance and
Baroque Art opens October 22 You are currently subscribed to mcn_mcn-l as: rlancefi...@mail.wesleyan.edu To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-mcn_mcn-l-12800...@listserver.americaneagle.com |
- Digital Imaging Peter Siegel
- Re: Digital Imaging Carpenter, Mikki
- Digital Imaging Nancy Pinn
- Re: Digital Imaging Misunas, Marla
- Re: Digital Imaging Bill Prochazka
