Overview: Digital photographs are produced primarily in two ways: natively born digital via a camera, or through a transformation, such as digitization. In both cases, there can be multiple versions, file formats, and file sizes for the digital photograph files. Considering in advance how to package these for digital preservation is a worthwhile activity. It will assist you with syncing files, creating instructions for your producers, and populating your digital workflows.
Packaging considerations:
Selection, Format, Grouping, and Metadata
Selection
- Which digital photographs will be preserved?
- Do you need to keep all versions of the digital photographs?
- See your Collection Development policy Do you have a Collection Development plan?
Digital Photograph File Format
- What are the file formats for the digital photographs in your collections?
- Are they in the preferred file formats according to the Library of Congress?
https://www.loc.gov/preservation/resources/rfs/stillimg.html
Grouping the files
How are the files grouped? Will you need to make changes?
Do you rely on filenames for grouping and accessing the digital photographs?
Consider using metadata such as:
unique identifiers that relate to specific filenames
structural metadata
Packaging Issue | Digital Photographs acquired in a single batch |
|---|---|
Organize by Date, Project, or Photographer/Digitizing Vendor Organize by Accession or Purchase | |
Packaging Issue | Digital Photographs with multiple versions |
Organize by Photograph version (primary, access, crop, etc.) Organize by file format (TIFF, JPEG, GIF) |
Metadata
What metadata do you need, and have, and what metadata will be created automatically?
Question for your team/organization: Are your digital photos ready for packaging? TDL members contact TDL for more information and assistance.
Source: Using approaches developed by and for the Digital Preservation Management (DPM) Workshop curriculum and resources. See the resources below for additional information, examples, and current information.
Related Resources:
Northern Arizona University: Appraisal of Digital Photographs
This is a joint initiative between TDL Digital Preservation Services and the Digital Preservation Management (DPM) Workshop and Global Archivist LLC. Dr. Nance McGovern 2024.