Digital Image Database

Duringf the next couple of months, IIT will be researching and starting the implementation of a new digital images database on campus.  So what’s a digital images database?  A digital images database, also called a digital asset management system (DAM), is a collection of digital images and other digital files (sound, video, etc.) that can be searched and accessed through a single application. 

This is not a new concept to St. Olaf as IIT staff developed such systems for Asian Studies and Art and Art History a number of years ago.  This system works great but it cannot be easily expanded to other departments with any hope of true integration and campus wide accessibility.  More recently, Asian Studies, led by Karil Kuchera, has been using a digital asset management system hosted by the National Institute for Technology and Liberal Education (NITLE). 

The demand for an image database has reached a level that the campus needs a college-wide system that can be shared and used by everyone.  A DAM would give students and faculty the freedom to research and study digital images from anywhere, anytime.  Some of the demand for a DAM is being pushed by the fact that slide projectors are no longer being manufactured.  The number of slides in the various slide collections on campus is staggering!  Individuals from a variety of areas on campus — Asian Studies, Media Relations, the Archives, Art, and Biology just to name a few — have expressed interest in the project.

Janet Collrin, IIT, and Sarah Johnston, Library, are working together to select the final product, to develop and carry out the implementation plan, draft procedures and policies for the system, and to develop an on-going training program.  Please watch your e-mail for more announcements regarding this exciting project.