are the basics of what it takes to get on the road to righteousness with a media archive / DAM / MAM initiative. I've outlined five oversimplified but distinct aspects for you to consider (in no particular order).
Archive
The physical asset triage and prep begins the process. Identify the scope of your physical asset world, create an inventory of all material in all locations, condition, duplications, etc. and diagnose the prioritization based on a multitude of factors including (but not limited to) the asset's physical condition, value, relevance of the content contained on media (be it historical, academic or commercial), marketability, usability and level of content interest. Lastly, don't forget to factor in the overall rights status of the materials (see previous post, "What About the Content?").
Rights
In many cases this is a critical and often overlooked aspect of the Archive to DAM exercise (see previous post, "You Have the Right To..."). It's important to define the state of the rights for the content in the Archive and DAM environment. This has to happen in tandem with the archive triage process. The overall prioritization has to factor in the rights of efforts could be wasted on processing content thru the workflow that can't be used. The rights metadata defines how, when and who may use the content once in the digital system. This information should be as simple and standardized as possible for the end users to understand and work with content without much wiggle room for personal interpretation of the available rights. If the digitization efforts are driven primarily by preservation efforts then greater weight will be put on the archive and collection management issues but the rights will still play a part in the overall evaluation.
Metadata
A method for applying succinct yet detailed metadata in a controlled and consistent manner is needed. The goal should be to describe and categorize key aspects of the content (at tape,segment or clip level) beyond the asset or rights specific data...what is the content about and what is its "about-ness?"
Key aspects to consider include who, when and how will metadata be entered and how will it be governed. You will also need to consider defining a metadata structure, language, style, taxonomy and look to adapt and comply with standards as necessary. I've gone into further detail on this topic in previous posts including, "Defining a Metadata Strategy." "But What About the Exceptions?" and recently, "It's About the DAM Data."
IT / Technology
A media archive DAM project will have an IT / Technology component but DAM projects should not be exclusively theirs. IT and Technology support specialties encompass system storage and file management, network and infrastructure, security and access, broadcast systems and equipment support as well as general equipment support. Additionally, these will be the needed points of contact for access and integration within the overall corporate enterprise network.
Good storage and systems management are the backbone of a successful DAM. It doesn't matter how well the files are digitized, how they are cataloged or how many different iterations have been transcoded...if it's ultimately not practical to move files around or out of the system in a timely, consistent and reliable way users will not look to rely on this resource. In a perfect world the complexities and nuances of the infrastructure need to remain invisible. When you turn on the tap you shouldn't need to think about the water flowing got there.
Staff
This may seem obvious, but you need to get the right people. There are different tracks of expertise connected to getting this right. You need to have one person who is the point of contact and focus, to organize, direct, evangelize and ultimately "own" the project.
In some cases, it may make sense to outsource this effort or parts of it, in may also make sense to bring in targeted contract help. A lot of skills and resources needed may be outside of the companies core competency and be better served by others who do nothing but this. Either way, the point is to find the right mix of talent then empower and support them to get it done and be focused on the right tasks, "You play the piano all day and jump on a horse...you could get cramps."
Philip,
You have no idea how timely this is. This is an excellent outline for my next few months, maybe even year. I’m going to pin this up at my desk! I appreciate the time you took to write this all out and identify the key points. Thank you!
Laura
Posted by: Laura Fu | October 19, 2009 at 05:05 PM