[MCN-L] Website image sizes
Greetings! I hope that I'm not asking a question that has already been raised on the listserv. We're preparing to launch a new collections database to our museum's website and would like to know if other museums are planning on displaying images for copyrighted works larger than the AAMD standard size. We have several ideas about increasing the size of display images in light of the CAA Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts. If your museum is displaying larger images on your website, or plans to, would you please email me? Thanks! Marty Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic and Imaging Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Telephone: (713) 639-7525 Cell: (281) 910-2362 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mst...@mfah.org ___ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l@mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://mcn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l The MCN-L archives can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/mcn-l@mcn.edu/
[MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software
Oh, and I forgot to mention, we're using Portfolio from Extensis. Marty -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Stein, Marty Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:26 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software Hi Billy, We would be so happy to participate in a group like this. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help get the ball rolling. Thanks! Marty Stein Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic and Imaging Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Telephone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Kwan, Billy Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 9:55 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software We are using MediaBin at the Met. In fact, I will be interested to form a group within MCN to discuss all the issues related to digital asset management in the museum communities, e.g., its relationship with the collection management system, metadata exchange/connection with the object records, non-object images, local collections, other media types, such as 3D files, video and audio files, etc. I think we may have a lot to learn from each other. Billy Billy Chi-hing Kwan | Associate Museum Librarian Systems Image Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028 Tel: 212-650-2263 | Fax: 212-396-5050 -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Beth Heller Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:10 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software Thank you! I will take a look at both of those. David- what collection management system are you using? _ _ Beth Heller Library Director The American Alpine Club (303) 384-0110 ext. 21 lbauer at americanalpineclub.org bheller at americanalpineclub.org http://americanalpineclub.org http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org http://www.facebook.com/americanalpineclublibraryhttp://www.facebook.co m/pages/American-Alpine-Club-Library/123324141044052 On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 5:50 PM, David Dwiggins david at dwiggins.net wrote: Hi, Beth, We now have somewhere north of 110,000 resources (more, really, since we treat verso images, DNGs, etc. as alternates of the primary resource) managed through ResourceSpace, an open source digital asset management system. We've been extremely happy with it. We have a separate collections management system that handles the primary data about museum objects, archival objects, etc. But we have integrated the two systems so that you can simply enter a resource ID into the cataloging record to pull in an image from the DAMs. We also sync the files stored in ResourceSpace out to Amazon S3 for backup, and then re-purpose these backup copies to serve the images for our online collections database. ResourceSpace is not primarily geared for providing public access, although it does have a guest user mode and I suppose you could use this to provide some level of access to materials. And it's also not quite as rigorous in terms of metadata standards as some other systems might be. But it works extremely well, is very flexible, and, as a PHP/MySQL application, is very easy to modify if needed. It also has a plugin architecture, so customizations can often be made without doing much to the underlying code. Since we started using it a couple of years ago, I've become an occasional developer on the project, so I suppose I'm not entirely unbiased. But it's definitely worth a look -- see http://www.resourcespace.org -David Dwiggins Systems Librarian/Archivist Historic New England ddwiggins [at] historicnewengland [dot] org 617-994-5948 On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:20 PM, Beth Heller bheller at americanalpineclub.org wrote: I would like to hear what people are using to organize, identify, search, serve and push digital files of all formats, in-house and to the web. We are looking to implement a digital asset management system for our organization's working and historic documents, as well as more efficient work flows. We currently have nothing but a disorganized file and folder system. We are a small non-profit institution with limited financial and human resources. Thank you! Beth _ _ Beth Heller Library Director The American Alpine Club (303) 384-0110 ext. 21 lbauer at americanalpineclub.org bheller at americanalpineclub.org http://americanalpineclub.org http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org http://www.facebook.com/americanalpineclublibrary http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Alpine-Club-Library/12332414104 4052
[MCN-L] DAMS Session proposal for AAM meeting in Houston next May
Dear Listees, Please excuse the cross-posting and the lateness of this request. I am working on putting together a session that looks at the issues involved with museum digitization projects and the need to find digital asset management systems (DAMS) that fit museum criteria. As many of us have moved forward with digitally documenting our collections, we've had to figure out ways in which to make DAMS applications that were created for other industries work for us. DAMS applications run the gamut from basic one-size-fits-all packages to massive enterprise systems, but one thing that they have in common is that they all need to be configured to work for museums in terms of metadata structure, controlled vocabularies, and, even, institutional structure. There are many areas in which there aren't necessarily clear answers on how to implement such a system. This discussion is to address these issues and ways people have been able to leverage a DAMS for the particular needs of a wide range of museums. This session will address issues of adaptability of existing DAMS for museums and how these systems will evolve in order to support The Museum of Tomorrow. If you would be interested in proposing a paper for this session, please let me know. The deadline for proposals is this Friday. Thanks! Marty Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Imaging Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Telephone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org
[MCN-L] Use policies in museums
Hi, I'll jump in here since I'm from the MFAH and my office acts as the clearance office for copyrights for museum objects. The MFAH distributes the films of Robert Frank, but we do not represent him in regards to copyright. Mr. Frank is very protective of his copyright and we were asked by his representatives to make sure that unauthorized web use of the films was stopped. We sent CD letters to those people who were posting the films at the request of Mr. Frank. It seems that someone had posted Mr. Frank's films on YouTube without our knowledge or permission, thereby denying Mr. Frank revenue that is his due from the performance of his films. Even though many of us consider these films works of art, they are still governed by the same laws that relate to mass-produced motion pictures and we did what any other film distributer is compelled to do in order to maintain the trust of their client. We asked for the infringed material to be removed. In order to avoid any kind of confusion, we do not post any part of Mr. Frank's films on our website. At the present time, we only have two still photos on our site that describes our distribution service for the films. As a rights administrator, I have to say that some of the postings in this discussion have been a little troubling to me. I know we want to give the public as much information as we are able to about our collections - it's the reason we became museum professionals. I think that trying to get around copyright, however, is the last thing we should do. We're protectors of the objects and artifacts in our collection. Doesn't that also mean that we should be considerate of the rights of those artists from whom we hold their works in trust for future visitors? If an artist doesn't want his/her work on the Internet, he/she has the right to that by the laws of our countries. I think that we should abide by their wishes. Chuck, if your friend is still interested in posting part of one of the films, I would suggest that he contact Mr. Frank's gallery, Pace/MacGill (http://www.pacemacgill.com/contact_staff.html) and request permission. He might find that the gallery is willing to work with him to provide authorized footage for his blog. Marty Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Imaging Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Telephone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Perian Sully Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:00 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Use policies in museums Are we sure that MFA Houston is the bad cop? Perhaps the Robert Frank estate (or their representatives) complained to MFA Houston who then had to send a CD to your friend. Perian Sully Collections Information Manager Web Programs Strategist The Magnes Berkeley, CA -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Chuck Patch Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 8:09 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: [MCN-L] Use policies in museums This doesn't relate to anything specific, but as a long-time observer without deep legal knowledge or economic understanding of the licensing / copyright disputes among content creators, museums, publishers etc. I'd be interested in hearing reactions to the following situation. (Blame this post on Amalyah - I sent it to her first and she suggested I post it to the list and so, with the somewhat entertaining potential of throwing more fuel on the Ken Hamma - museum copyright - paranoia fire, I will). A friend of mine who writes a photography blog was recently instructed to take down some videos from the MFA Houston that he had posted -- with credit and, I believe, links back to the museum site. I couldn't help thinking that this seems to work against the best interests of the institution. While it's true, as he admits, that he technically infringed the copyright of the museum and probably should at least have sought permission to post them on his (no doubt) money-losing blog, I'm having trouble understanding how this act did anything other than drive traffic and increase interest in the museum and the videos themselves. Would this be a situation where a CC license would have been more appropriate (and cheaper for the institution?) What do you think? Here's the post in which he presents the current situation: http://2point8.whileseated.org/2009/09/11/takedown/ Chuck Patch ___ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l The MCN-L archives can be found at:
[MCN-L] Department name question.
Hi, Please reply to the list. I would be interested in seeing the responses to. Thanks! Marty Stein Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Phone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Evans Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 10:01 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: [MCN-L] Department name question. All, We are renaming a Photo Services department here. Please reply with both department names as well as manager titles that you may have generated at your institution. Thanks in advance, JEFF Jeffrey Evans Digital Imaging Specialist Princeton University Art Museum 609.258.8579 ___ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l
[MCN-L] Job Posting: TMS Administrator - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Dear MCN-List members, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is seeking candidates for the position of TMS Administrator. Please contact David Aylsworth at daylsworth at mfah.org if you have any questions about this posting. Position Available Title: TMS Administrator Reports To: Collections Registrar Date Needed:October 2007 Pay Type: Salaried, Exempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week Salary: Commensurate with Experience Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, and Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work Location: Beck Building, a non-smoking facility Responsibilities: * Manage TMS/Crystal Reports and provide proper and consistent entry and maintenance of data for the permanent collection utilizing approved Museum standards * Work with the Collections Registrar and the IT Department to develop and implement standards of data entry and use of TMS museum-wide o Establish guidelines for how and where data is entered into TMS o Develop training procedures to insure effective use of TMS by outside departments o Develop and implements strategy for data clean-up * Oversee training of staff for TMS/Crystal Reports * Maintain a working knowledge of TMS/Crystal Reports and inform staff of changes or updates in both programs * Coordinate with the Museum's Information Technology Department for maintenance of working back-up systems * Provide general museum-wide support for TMS users * Maintain and update TMS user manual * Organize and catalogue Crystal Reports * Create new reports as needed by all departments Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: * Excellent and demonstrated knowledge of TMS and Crystal Reports * Excellent written and oral communication skills. * Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem solving and analytical skills * Ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and tactfully * Professional and businesslike in appearance and demeanor * Strong organization skills to effectively manage multiple projects * Knowledge of SQL and ability to write SQL statements desired, but not required Education and Experience: * BA in art, art history or museum studies or at least two years experience in museum related employment How to Apply: Send resume to Human Resources, Job 025, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX 77265-6826; Fax 713-639-7597 or email: jobs at mfah.org or apply at www.mfah.org/employment Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Phone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org
[MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac better than PC?
Hello, We are hoping that the wonderful members of mcn-l can help us with a question we are debating here in Houston. I hope this isn't a question that has been posed recently to the list and I've just missed it. We are currently involved in a project to convert out photo studio from film to digital. It's a very exciting project, but it has brought up an old question that I had hoped to avoid - the dreaded Is Mac better for graphic applications than PC? question. The MFAH is predominantly PC-based, with only a few Macs in our Graphics department. Our IT department would like to keep it this way, but a consultant has recommended that our new photo studio and imaging lab use Macs. Our current digital equipment is running on PCs and it seems to work just fine. Since we're making decisions about pretty expensive new equipment we want to make sure that we're not overlooking anything. Can anyone explain why Macs are better for graphics and digital imaging than PCs? Not just that graphic designers and photographers prefer Macs, but why they're different and better? This would be a great help and I would really appreciate it. Thanks! Marty Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Phone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org
[MCN-L] Position Announcement - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Position Available Title: TMS Administrator Reports To: Collections Registrar Date Needed: August 2006 Pay Type: Salaried, Nonexempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week Salary: Commensurate with Experience Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, and Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work Location: Beck Building, a smoke-free building Responsibilities: * Manage TMS/Crystal Reports and provide proper and consistent entry and maintenance of data for the permanent collection utilizing approved Museum standards * Work with the Collections Registrar and the IT Department to develop and implement standards of data entry and use of TMS museum-wide o Establish guidelines for how and where data is entered into TMS o Develop training procedures to insure effective use of TMS by outside departments o Develop and implements strategy for data clean-up * Oversee training of staff for TMS/Crystal Reports * Maintain a working knowledge of TMS/Crystal Reports and inform staff of changes or updates in both programs * Coordinate with the Museum's Information Technology Department for maintenance of working back-up systems * Provide general museum-wide support for TMS users * Maintain and update TMS user manual * Organize and catalogue Crystal Reports * Create new reports as needed by all departments Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: * Excellent and demonstrated knowledge of TMS and Crystal Reports * Excellent written and oral communication skills. * Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem solving and analytical skills * Ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and tactfully * Professional and businesslike in appearance and demeanor * Strong organization skills to effectively manage multiple projects Desired: * Knowledge of SQL and ability to write SQL statements Education and Experience: * BA in art, art history or museum studies or at least two years experience in museum related employment How to Apply: Send resume to Human Resources, Job 011, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX 77265-6826; Fax 713-639-7597 or email: jobs at mfah.org or apply at www.mfah.org/employment Marcia (Marty) Stein Photographic Services Manager The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826 Phone: (713) 639-7525 Fax: (713) 639-7557 Email: mstein at mfah.org
