HI all,

 

I have a query around file naming conventions for the digitisation of books. In our work stream we have just started digitising artist’s sketch books and have been having robust discussions around file naming and how to deal with blank pages and loose inserts.

 

We think there must be a simple way and are contemplating using a sequential alpha numerical identifier for example P001 indicating the front cover, P002 inside cover, P003 1^st page etc. This raises the issue that if the pages are numbered in the book then the file name numeral will not correlate to the page number but think this is acceptable.

 

When it comes to blank pages we are thinking of digitising some if they help maintain the order of the book when viewing online, but we have one book that is 60% blank so are thinking of indicating this by placing a ‘blank pages’ notice on the first blank page, this might be P023 and then digitise the next non blank page and continue the file naming sequence from that point, P024. What do others do in this instance? Is there a tipping point between when you digitise blank pages and when you don’t?

 

With loose inserts we are thinking of digitising the page eg. P033 and then calling the inserts P033, view 1, P033, view 2 etc. This helps to position the inserts within the book but does not disrupt the file name sequence for the next page. Again what do others do?

 

I would love to hear how other institutions are naming their files, is there an international standard or even a common prefix?

 

Regards

Michael

 

 

Michael O’Neill

Manager Collection Imaging

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

DDI: 04 381 7050 MOB: 64 21 403748 

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