Dear Trevor,
I'd say yes, it will take extra time, but without metadata digital images are meaningless bits and bytes of data. You can batch enter at least basic copyright metadata simply using something like Adobe Bridge.
But as we saw at last week's CT DAM conference images extracted for the web if they leave via a DAM can have metadata embedded automatically, and if your DAM talks to your CMS you can have collection data embedded too, so over the next few years I'd argue that there will be no excuse not to.
I am working on a small digitisation project of a photo archive, metadata has been at the heart of the project as IPTC is the place to capture all the data that exists in the photo albums, and yes it did slow down the project initially whilst the metadata schema was worked out. It will add extra work during the lifetime of the project but without metadata the images will become meaningless scans of old photos nobody can remember anything about because you can't write on the back of a digital image.
Tony
Government Art Collection
-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Reynolds, Trevor
Sent: 02 December 2013 10:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MCG] IPTC writing software
Hi Sarah
The problem I find with embedding metadata in images is that is a massive consumer of peoples time. Date and time taken is OK with digital cameras (provided someone has made sure they are correct when they start using the camera). With scanned analogue photos editing the date and time so that it isn't the date and time the photo was scanned almost never happens. Adding additional information involves using user un-friendly software and retyping or cut and pasting information one image at a time.
Does any one know of a simple (i.e. usable by people whos computer skills are pretty much limited to basic word processing and spreadsheet use) programme for adding metadata to images? Especially useful would be one that would take a spreadsheet of image file names and paths and write the remaining columns to the images metadata?
Trevor Reynolds
Collections Registrar, English Heritage
tel: +44 (0) 1904 601905. 37 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6WP
-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sarah Saunders
Sent: 29 November 2013 19:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MCG] Online image size guidelines?
The first step to engagement is for the user to know who they should be engaging with. I understand why museums want to make their images available, but it is even more important to embed some attribution. Some (limited) data can be read in system browsers and there will be more utilities to make visible embedded data in future. If Public Catalogue Foundation, National Gallery of Art and Rijks Museum can do it, why not everyone else?
(well, the first step is the will do do it!)
And can I make a plea for IPTC Extension, which enables you to list the artwork and connected details unambiguously. I recommend using the individual fields and concatenating relevant key data also into the Description fields where it can be picked up more widely.
Sarah
On 29 Nov 2013, at 14:58, Gillespie, David wrote:
> To be honest putting images is like trying to determine what length is a piece of string.
>
> However, by putting up images online you do open yourself up to people using that image. You can use DMCA notifications to get links or pages taken down but it really is not worth it in the end. One it could be wasteful having someone filing out DMCA's all day but it could also be bad for publicity especially if you are chasing down some blogger. There is also the issue of copyright and fair use dealings etc. but I introduce you to the Streisand effect in case you feel the need to chase people down for images.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
>
> Unless you feel whoever is using your image (it's not stealing it, it will be either a replication or copyright infringement) for malicious intentions or trying to monetise your images, engage with them! It could bring new audiences to your museum and allow you to connect with them, content generation etc. Leading yourself to present information that is relevant to your intended audience bringing them back again and again.
>
> Sorry for the rant, I am dealing with this issue but with 3D models and it all seem to boil down IP control and the piracy issue. If you wish to expand your images online then do so, but by providing good resolution images (i.e. 1280 *720) and a service that people wish to use you shouldn't need to worry too much about piracy. Doing it badly on the other hand may have the reverse effect and actually drive people away from your site.
>
> If you have any questions please contact me
>
> David
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Mike Ellis
> Sent: 29 November 2013 14:34
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Online image size guidelines?
>
> I'd personally rather museums didn't bother putting any images online at all rather than teeeeeny ones (which you can't see) or watermarked ones (which you can't see)..
>
>
>
> But: If you *have* to do the "find people 'stealing' my image" thing then TinEye is good...
>
> https://www.tineye.com/search/4d0d7d110488ce004acd0395c5347af758329fe7
> /
>
> Ultimately tho, I'm with Tony - what can you really *do* if someone is using something of yours..? And how much might it cost in legal fees and staff time to chase your image around the web...?
>
> Mike
>
>
>
>
>
> _____________________________
>
>
> Mike Ellis
>
> We do nice web stuff: http://thirty8.co.uk (http://thirty8.co.uk/)
>
> * My book: http://heritageweb.co.uk (http://heritageweb.co.uk/) *
>
>
> On Friday, 29 November 2013 at 13:34, HARRIS TONY wrote:
>
>> Hi Sarah,
>> I've not much to add on image size to what has already been covered. As for metadata if you can embed it do it, of course it can be erased, but at least you have done it.
>>
>> You mentioned security, this can mean using a service like digimarc (http://www.digimarc.com/) or similar. This however, has always to me seemed to me to be a blind alley, because for it to be effective you would need to pay their annual fee and then have the resources available to pay a lawyer to chase down the offender in the particular jurisdiction concerned, this could be anywhere.
>>
>> The digimarc pricing can be found here.
>> http://www.digimarc.com/docs/discover-resources/dmrc-osp-price-sheet.
>> pdf
>>
>> The issue is that once they are online, that's it, they are out there, you can write to the person concerned and request that they remove an image, that is about all you can do (lawyer route excepted). There is an old (in internet years) adage, 'If you want real security don't put them online'.
>>
>> I'd be interested to know of anyone on the list that is using watermarking these days.
>>
>> Tony Harris
>> New Media Officer & Photographer
>> Government Art Collection
>> tony.harris @culture.gsi.gov.uk | 020 7580 9123
>> @govartcol /governmentartcollection | www.gac.culture.gov.uk (http://www.gac.culture.gov.uk)
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>> Sarah McHugh
>> Sent: 27 November 2013 12:36
>> To: [log in to unmask] (mailto:[log in to unmask])
>> Subject: [MCG] Online image size guidelines?
>>
>> Is there any advice or set of guidelines about the size and quality of online museum artefact images or online artwork images?
>>
>> Also any advice on image watermarking or embedding IPTC data into images such as copyright owner, contact details, credit etc?
>>
>> In the past we have always made sure our images are small size 300 pixels at longest edge and 72 dpi. We'd like to make our online images larger but would like to know of any security settings we should be using.
>>
>>
>> Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated.
>>
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> Research Student
> National Museums Liverpool
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