Digital images forever: implementing an imaging system in a cultural institution

Abstract

This paper deals with the decision-making and challenges that arose out of the implementation of a large-scale digital imaging project by the Powerhouse Museum. With the implementation of the Powerhouse's Imaging Project came the creation of its Image Centre. This paper discusses its role, the services provided, preparation of its equipment and the procedures developed for capturing, storing and retrieving images. Most importantly, the issues of technological change upon an image archive are discussed. The Powerhouse Museum's Imaging System, as it stands today, does what was intended. It delivers images and related data to staff and public for the purposes of research, promotion, education and more. The Museum's Image Centre was set up to scan, manipulate, print and archive images. This Centre has evolved into a high-resolution digital imaging service and continues to create and upload images to the Imaging System. However, without a plan for constant review and update, even archives of beautifully scanned images and comprehensive data are worthless if those archives cannot be reused because the mechanisms for accessing the media - or the applications that they run on, have become obsolete. The Museum's next step, therefore, is a policy for regular re-evaluation.