# Presentation: 948243

## Digital Imaging for the NPS Museum Collection Web CatalogPMIS 73179

Harpers Ferry Center, Department of Media Assets

- Harpers Ferry Center, Department of Media Assets

## Purpose of the Project

Provide digital images for a variety of park  uses 
Reduce risks to objects
Increase public use of the collections by 10% 

***Provide digital images for a variety of park  uses ***
***Reduce risks to objects***
***Increase public use of the collections by 10% ***

**Notes:**
The primary purpose of the project is to provide a wide variety of cataloged collection images for park use.  The provided images can be used to supplement the ANCS+ catalog records, used on park web sites, added to the Museum Collections Web Catalog, inserted into NPS Focus database and to provide the park with publication quality images for their use.  The project supports the NPS mission statement and is designed to meet the Department of Interior’s Planned Strategic Goal of reducing risks to the objects, making them available to the public and increasing the public’s use of the objects.  The latter is an essential part of the long term fulfillment of the Museum Management Program Goal 11b. 

## Make objects available to the public
Digital images provide information about the objects of our cultural heritage 
Rethink methods for public interaction with objects
Support new uses on the internet
Become part of a personal digital agenda 

*Digital images provide information about the objects of our cultural heritage *
*Rethink methods for public interaction with objects*
*Support new uses on the internet*
*Become part of a personal digital agenda *

**Desired Results**

**Notes:**
The desired results: Making the objects available to the public; Providing information about historical objects and our cultural heritage; Allowing us to rethink methods for having the public interact with the objects; Allowing the integration of digital images into established information systems and implementation of new or different methods of delivery.   

## Researched current practices and technologies.  

**Notes:**
The project began with intensive research into the current technologies and practices of digital photography.  The most recent publications were referenced.  NARA standards were researched.  A NARA conference was attended.

## 				        Preservation and Archives Professional: Guidelines for...
Library Preservation at Harvard: Digital Preservation: Guidance...

					CDL Guidelines for Digital Images (CDL GDI)
GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

			Recommended best practices for digital image capture of musical scores
Digital History/Becoming Digital

					Inside CDL:CDL Guidelines for Digital Images
California Digital Library Digital Image Format Standards

			Digital Imaging

Joint RLG and NPO Conference: Guidelines for Digital Imaging
						Collaborative Digitization Program

RLG Guidelines for Creating a Request for Proposal for Digital...

					“NARA Guidelines for Digitizing Archival...

- _Library Preservation at Harvard: __**Digital Preservation:**__ Guidance..._
- 					_CDL __**Guidelines for Digital Images **__(CDL GDI)_
_**GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF DIGITAL COLLECTIONS**_
- 			_Recommended best practices for digital image capture of musical scores_
- _Digital History/Becoming Digital_
- 					_Inside CDL:CDL __**Guidelines for Digital Images**_
- _California Digital Library Digital Image Format Standards_
- 			_**Digital Imaging**_
- _Joint RLG and NPO Conference: __**Guidelines for Digital Imaging**_
- 						_Collaborative Digitization Program_
- _RLG Guidelines for Creating a Request for Proposal for Digital..._
**	**
**	****	****	****	****	****“****NARA Guidelines for Digitizing Archival...**

**Notes:**
Planning began on the project work flow.  It was revised several times during the growth of the project.

## Techniques and standard operating procedures were developed.

**Techniques and standard operating procedures were developed.**

**Notes:**
Standards were documented and techniques and operating procedures were developed to meet the standards.

## Staff needs and task  assignments were projected and positions filled

**Notes:**
Once work flow was determined, staffing was planned and re-planned to meet our project annual goals.

## Infrastructure expansion planned and implemented

**Infrastructure expansion planned and implemented**

**Notes:**
The need for additional infrastructure was recognized.  Planning was begun in coordination with HFC IT to meet our upcoming needs.  A new server was installed, backup systems enhanced and appropriate computer systems secured for staff.

## Camera equipment purchased

**Camera equipment purchased**

**Notes:**
Camera equipment was researched and specification lists were developed.  Purchase requests were written, put out to bid and equipment was ordered.  The equipment for the second team is a duplicate of the first order so all equipment is interchangeable.

## Object supports gathered

**Object supports gathered**

**Notes:**
Multi-functional object support mechanisms were researched.  Designs were created to be flexible and meet a variety of support needs.  A contract was written and the supports were fabricated.

## Color management systems implemented

**Color management systems implemented**

**Notes:**
Color management systems were research.  Greytag McBeth systems were chosen allowing for the cross platform calibration of cameras, computer monitors and processing equipment.

## When in-house testing was complete we were ready to travel

**When in-house testing was complete we were ready to travel**

**Notes:**
Planning and preparations were finalized and in-house beta testing on the GETT objects completed.  Experience with these objects paved the way for field testing. When all in-house prep work was completed, we were ready to travel. 

## Working successfully in the parks requires the planning and cooperation of many people.

***DIP team members***
***HFC Support staff***
***Regional curatorial staff***
***Park curatorial staff***
***Park administration***
***Park maintenance staff***
***Contractors and vendors providing special equipment or services***

**Notes:**
Working successfully in the parks requires the planning and cooperation of many people.  - DIP team members; HFC Support staff; Regional curatorial staff; Park curatorial staff; Park administration; Park maintenance staff; Contractors and vendors providing special equipment or services 

## Working on site requires park support and cooperation

**Notes:**
The Park Curator helps to specify the vulnerabilities of the object and the details needed for each object shot.  Maintenance staff is needed for a variety of tasks including accessing exhibit cases or operating lifts.  Curatorial staff helps to keep the stream of objects coming to the photographer.   All are valuable contributors to the DIP’s success.  Judy Volunosky with Jim Carey, Mike and Laren from Sitka, Ramona East from Sitka

## DIP Team handles objects safely and sets up the shots

**DIP Team handles objects safely and sets up the shots**

**Notes:**
Once on site, the Museum Technician works under the guidance of the park curator to help prepare objects for photography.  The Technician sets the ascetic tone of the shot choosing appropriate supports and with the photographer determines the back-drop to be used.

## Rental of Special Equipment

**Rental of Special Equipment**

**Notes:**
Sometimes special equipment is needed and rented for a shoot.  Here a boom lift was rented to shoot totem poles at Sitka NHP in Alaska.  The prevented images of the poles from having distortion along the height.  This image shows an example of it along with the lift.  OSHA requires trained drivers for this type of lift and the park provided qualified staff.

## Interior image capture is achieved with a laptop computer tethered to the camera

**Interior image capture is achieved with a laptop computer tethered to the camera**

**Notes:**
Most interior image capture is achieved with a laptop computer tethered to the camera.  This provides the ability for instant evaluation of the image.

## Location set-up for EZ Cube

**Location set-up for EZ Cube**

**Notes:**
Work spaces can be small and with little room to maneuver. The EZ Cube is one set up that is nearly always used in a park and a desk top will accommodate it’s use.  (This is a soft sided cube to defuse light during shooting.)

## Copy stand  set-up allow consistent document photography

**Copy stand  set-up allow consistent document photography**

**Notes:**
Use of a copy stand allows the camera lens to be parallel to the document, photo, etc. and provides a distortion free image.  Jim is providing sets at the copy stand while Darryl checks the image output on the laptop.

## Table Top Set-Ups require more space

**Table Top Set-Ups require more space**

**Notes:**
Other set-ups require a bit more room.  The team has to be adaptable with their space requirements and trying to meet the needs of the park.  Jim and Darryl work with Jim Burgess at MANA and Jim works with contract photographer Brian Sendler is preparing an object for photography at GLBA.

## Oversized documents are handled in other ways

**Oversized documents are handled in other ways**

**Notes:**
Oversized maps, blueprints and other large documents are handled in other ways.  They are placed in a Mylar “sling” and the Mylar is attached to the wall or other support .  The lights and camera lens are filtered to prevent glare and reflection of the Mylar.  Here we have used magnets to attach the Mylar Sling to the top of a map cabinet in a vertical position.  Max and Jim are working at PRWI.

## A variety of objects have been photographed for the Digital Imaging Project with many challenges encountered and met

**Notes:**
A variety of objects have been photographed for the Digital Imaging Project.  Often times the best laid plans come to a screeching halt with unexpected challenges.  These could focus on lack of space as well as unexpected challenges due to surface reflectance or ambient lighting conditions.  Other constraints the faced dealt with the opacity of paper documents containing inscriptions on both sides.  Obstacles like these need to be solved rapidly on site and added to our lessons learned or standard operating procedures.

## Ethnographic Objects

**Ethnographic Objects**

**Notes:**
Ethnographic objects have provided a diverse grouping of artifacts made from a variety of media.
Chilkat Robe from Sitka, Mask from Gates of the Artic and Fishing buoy from Glacier Bay

## Paintings and Reflective Art

**Paintings and Reflective Art**

**Notes:**
Paintings and reflective art were an unexpected challenge.  Oil paintings provided more than anticipated reflections on the surface and were difficult to eliminate spectral highlights on the image.  Oil on the left from Kenilworth Aquatic Garden and oil on the right from MANA

## Icons

**Icons**

**Notes:**
Icons required showing dimensional depth and separations as well as controlling the highlights on the metal surfaces.  All icons from Sitka

## Wood and Furniture Objects

**Wood and Furniture Objects**

**Notes:**
Wooden objects were often photographed both straight on and at an angle for a more accurate interpretation of the object and a more pleasing image - Table from GETT; Chair from GETT; Box from SITK

## Slide 28

**Notes:**
Wooden objects were often photographed both straight on and at an angle for a more accurate interpretation of the object and a more pleasing image - Table from GETT; Chair from GETT; Box from SITK

## Side Arms

**Side Arms**

**Notes:**
Long and side arms require adequate support during photography. Long gun from HAFE, Pepper box from MANA and side arm from HAFE

## Edged Weapons

**Notes:**
Supports for the edged weapons could be placed behind the stretch double knit backdrop fabric and still would adequately support the weapon - Top left – sword from MONO; Bayonet from HAFE; Bottom left – sword from MANA; Bone handled knife from MANA

## Metal Objects

**Metal Objects**

**Notes:**
Many small metal objects could be shot in the EZ Cube.  This helped to control bright surfaces but objects like the silver pitcher must be carefully positioned to avoid showing a reflection of the photographer or camera on the highly polished surface. - Bugle from MANA; Pitcher from THST; Flag pole end from MONO

## Slide 32

**Notes:**
Supports are vital to help show the object to it’s best advantage.  MANA was our first park shoot and was given the choice of inclusion of the color card and scale.  The park’s decision was not to include this in the image.  Color management was done through a session white and color balance.  No subsequent parks were given this option.  - All objects from MANA
All objects from MANA

## Ceramic and Glass Objects

**Ceramic and Glass Objects**

**Notes:**
Glass and ceramic objects photographed ranged from the very small like the blue bead and figural pipe bowl shown here and extend to larger reflective ceramic ware and clear glass. - Pipe bowl – MANA; Bowl – THST; Bead – MANA; Decanter - THST

## Slide 34

**Notes:**
Processing the images includes placing the identification placard on a separate layer of the image.  The first set of images placed the placard at the edge of the image.  All subsequent parks had the identifier moved off the edge for aesthetic reasons.  Placement of color card and scale is such that it will always be crop-able and still provide a full view of the object. - Clear glass from THST; Plate from MANA; Red glass from MANA 

## Textile Objects

**Textile Objects**

**Notes:**
Textile objects can be composed of a variety of materials.  Some are shown to the best advantage photographed on a mannequin or other support. We use several sizes of padded boards for small objects.  A universal hat mount works for many style hats.  Keppie from MANA, Zouave jacket from MANA, Battle ribbon from MONO and Jacket from HAFE  

## Entomological Specimens

**Entomological Specimens**

**Notes:**
Each park has a different set of objects that are most significant to it and are chosen by the park.  CATO was our first natural history park.  It had a significant collection of butterflies and moths for us to image.  Moving the pinned specimens to our padded boards provided a safe and effective way for us to move the specimens and provide an adequate photographic surface - All from CATO; Lower right – facial front detail of a butterfly

## Wet Specimens

**Wet Specimens**

**Notes:**
Wet specimens can be very small and a challenge to photograph through liquid and glass.  The scale was placed on the outside of the vial and we shot through the liquid. - All specimens from SITK

## Herbarium Sheets

**Herbarium Sheets**

**Notes:**
Herbarium sheets were shot on the copy stand. We have captured images for historic herbarium sheets as well as herbarium sheets for kelp and seaweed as shown here.- Left from CATO; Middle from GLBA; Right from SITK

## Skeletal Objects

**Skeletal Objects**

**Notes:**
Skulls and mandibles from mice or voles and whale vertebrae have been among the bones imaged - Left and middle from CATO; Right from Suitland 

## Archeological Objects

**Archeological Objects**

**Notes:**
A wide variety of archeological objects have been photographed - Upper left - Fish hook ANIA; Upper right – Point ALAG; Lower left – point HAFE; Center – Point ANIA

## Slide 41

**Notes:**
Other archeological specimens are cultural objects. - All from HAFE

## Geological and Fossil Specimens

**Geological and Fossil Specimens**

**Notes:**
Geological specimens provided the challenge (in DIP speak) of making rocks look good - Upper left – GLBA; Center – amber from GAAR; Upper right – fossilized imprints on a rock from PISC

## Paper Documents

**Paper Documents**

**Notes:**
Paper documents are both large and small.  They tend to be among the most fragile objects we encounter.  One of the biggest challenges was bleed through from hand written documents - Upper left – THST letter; Center – MONO currency; Right – Presidential declaration - MANA

## Slide 44

**Notes:**
Some paper objects are fragmented, colorized or oversized.  Upper right – THST, Center – MONO and Right – sheet music - MOPNO

## Some objects require many detail shots

**Some objects require many detail shots**

**Notes:**
Detail shot were captured as appropriate.  Some objects required many detail shoots.  Others did not require detail shots at all.  One totem at SITKA required 85 detail shoots to document damage.  These shots will be used by the park in creating new way side exhibits for their  totem park.

## Oversized Objects in Situ

**Oversized Objects in Situ**

**Notes:**
Shooting oversized objects or objects in situ requires lengthy individual setups.  The DIP’s must work to mitigate existing light and make best use of available light or their lighting setups.  This type of setup can involve working around or between interpretive tours or other visitors to the park.  These setups in a park are the most time consumptive and are one of the ways we determine the amount of time needed within the park. - Desk – THST; Machinery - HAFE

## Digital Asset Management

-   Naming, organizing, formatting, reproducing and archiving images follows established  standards on color managed equipment.  This process often takes more time than the original digital capture.

**Notes:**
Upon return to the Media Assets unit at HFC, the images are processed using a variety of software to name, organize, format, reproduce and archive the images.  This often takes more time than the initial digital capture.  Protocols for these processes adhere to standards established for the project.  Color managed equipment is used to provide long term color consistency and reliability.  

## Benefits To The Park
Receive 72 jpeg and 300 tiff digital images captured by professional photographers
Park can use images with ANCS+ catalog records
Park can use images for in-house or commercial electronic or print publications
Park can use the images for insertion on the NPS Web Catalog 
Park can request to have the images inserted in NPS Focus with Park Service only or public access

- Receive 72 jpeg and 300 tiff digital images captured by professional photographers
- Park can use images with ANCS+ catalog records
- Park can use images for in-house or commercial electronic or print publications
- Park can use the images for insertion on the NPS Web Catalog
- Park can request to have the images inserted in NPS Focus with Park Service only or public access

**Notes:**
Benefits to the Park; Receive 72 jpeg and 300 tiff digital images captured by professional photographers; Park can use images with ANCS+ catalog records; Park can use images for in-house or commercial electronic or print publications; Park can use the images for insertion on the NPS Web Catalog; Park can request to have the images inserted in NPS Focus database with either Park Service only or public access 

## Collections will be preserved through reduced handling
Increase visitation through media generated interest
Public will have a greater understanding of the park and its collection
More volunteers to the park
Receive a greater number of research requests

- Increase visitation through media generated interest
- Public will have a greater understanding of the park and its collection
- More volunteers to the park
- Receive a greater number of research requests

**Notes:**
The advantages are: Collections will be preserved through reduced handling; Increase visitation through media generated interest; Public will have a greater understanding of the park and its collection; More volunteers to the park; Receive a greater number of research requests

## WHAT’S NEXT?

***Complete staffing plan***
***Continue to enroll parks***
***Complete PMIS template***
***Provide technical assistance to the parks in the fields of digital imaging and equipment selection***

**Notes:**
What’s Next?  We will complete our staffing plan.  The 2nd photographer arrives Nov. 26. The processing technician arrives in January.  With the addition of our contract processor, we will be able to process the images in a timelier manner.  Then our final two vacancy announcements (second technician and an administrative support staff member) should also be on board in January.  This will allow full staffing to be realized by Jan 2008.  This will allow two teams on the road collecting images.  By alternating the travel of the two teams, one team will always be on the road with the potential for both teams to collect images of 10,000 or more objects each year.

## 76 Parks have provided DIP with object lists:

- 11 in NER
- 14 in NCR
- 23 in IMR
- 8 in AR
- 4 in MWR

**76 Parks have provided DIP with object lists:**

**Notes:**
76 Parks have submitted their lists.  16 in SER; 11 in NER; 14 in NCR; 23 in IMR; 8 in AR; 4 in MWR

## DIP’s have worked with 21 parks

- Still have 58 parks to shoot
- DIP’s have shot 8728 images of 3129 objects

**Notes:**
DIP’s have worked with 21 parks; Still have 58 parks to shoot;  That doesn’t add up to 76 but 3 parks in ARO have not been completed due to shortening our trip this summer.   DIP’s have shot 8728 images of 3129 objects .  With the parks we now have enrolled, we now have approximately 1-1/2 years of work on the books.  We will continue to work with the parks and the regions to get them enrolled.