Part I: Digital Imaging (Week 1)

The reading was Part One found at the Getty Institute online. It was a basic overview of digital imaging and terminology based around imaging systems. I'll list some of the pertinent points in the following:

1. Master files should always be in a high quality format for an image, such as .TIFF files
2. Metadata is defined as "data about data" and is known as digital documentation about the digital image
3. Metadata should be "persistant, authoritative, and verifiable"--bad metadata in a sophisticated database is less valuable than good metadata in a simple desktop excel spreadsheet
4. There are three kinds of Metadata: Descriptive (describes that content and is most like traditional cataloging), Administrative (tells context and form and gives the how and why the file was created), Structural (gives relationships between parts and other digital files or objects...a way to link files)
5. Computer monitors use the additive or RBG system, BUT printers use the subtractive CMYK system--colours will not transfer from monitor to monitor the same way without using an ICC color profile, which acts as a translator between devices
6. 16-bit colour sees over 65,000 colours, which is called "true colour." However, the eyes sees millions of colours. 24-bit colour on a monitor is now the highest obtainable on affordable monitors, though many institutions are moving towards using 48-bit capture for archival purposes
7. Resolution is defined as the density of pixels within a specified area--for example, ppi is how many pixels per inch, the higher the ppi in a photograph, the higher the resolution. It is important to note what guidelines and institution has for their image resolution
8. .JPG files are what is called lossy compression because they temporarily sacrifice the quality of stored images by discarding some of the data. .JPG files are used for access files only as seen on Internet sites. NOT FOR MASTER FILES. Master files should always be of the highest quality so not to loss and image data over time
9. Since there are many forms of storing digital files, it is recommended that there are several different back up files in different formats--there is no information on the life of these digital forms or the best preservation strategy
10. Digital files can be kept three different ways: online (connected to a network or computer), offline (where they are stored one CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMS and are not accessed online), nearline (objects are stored offline but can be easily accessed such as on "jukebox" systems)

It was full of good information and several definition of technical digital aspects from pixels to People-to-people networks. It was a reading worth keeping for reference in the future. Access the websites for more reading and information on digital imaging.