This week, in addition to film inspections, I took time to talk with David Grinnell, the chief archivist of the Heinz History Center. The interview was very insightful, and provided me with good information for my research topic. One of the most useful pieces of information involves what areas of a film policy are most important for the History Center. I intend to draft a portion of a policy that may be used as a starting point for creating a formal film policy for the Historic Society of Western Pennsylvania. I also redrafted and modified my survey, which I intend on giving on Tuesday, since we were closed on Saturday. I hope that with the survey, and one additional interview I will be able to start to capture the attitudes toward the film collection.
So far it has been made pretty clear that the film collection is almost a bother to deal with. However, the Historic Society of Western Pennsylvania is more dedicated to film preservation that other institutions have been in the past. This is apparent in how they acquired the Westinghouse Film Collection, the collection that I have been working with. I thought that it was part of the George Westinghouse Museum and brought in as part of the merger, this was not the case. The film actually comes from the Westinghouse Electric Collection, when Westinghouse Electric was sending material to archives and museums, the Westinghouse museum actually refused the film collection.
Part of making the film a more welcome part of the collection is with the drafting of a policy governing storage, use, and access. This will go a long way in solidifying the role of film within the museum and archive collections. I hope that the work I do will help make a difference at the institution, but it is hard to change people's attitude about the medium, when so many know so little about it. Luckily, as I may have mentioned before, David went through this program and took the film archives class as it was taught by Dr. Gracy. Though he has other priorities, film is definitely something that he sees as being an important asset and worth putting work in toward a policy to dictate how it is handled, and so ensure that it continues to be processed and cared for.
It seems that there is no shortage of cinephiles, and I wonder if other institutions have gone through this active process of changing attitudes about a new medium. Though I see similarities in how many people with a more traditional conception and education about archiving relate to digital materials. Many institutions do not have policies for things like how to accession emails, and very few people at all have any ideas on things like accessioning blogs and wikis or websites. Since I am not a cinephile, I like movies but that's about as far as it goes for me, I feel that this is a good jumping off point for getting into issues relating to other oft ignored mediums.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A quick addition
This is not going to be a full post. This is more for my own purposes of journaling my observations and keeping track of what I'm doing.
First draft of interview questions for David Grinnell and Alexis Macklin:
How large was the film collection prior to the merger with the Westinghouse Museum?
What are the main points you would like to see changed about the film collection? (Ex. storage, access, cataloging)
On what would you like the film policy to focus?
What, do you feel is the administrative attitude towards the film collection? (Ex. understanding, ignored, etc)
Will the History Center continue to collect film?
First draft of survey questions for volunteers and other staff:
Compared to other collections, how important is the film collection for research?
1 Not important
2 Somewhat important
3 Very important
4 I don’t know/Comment ___________________________________________
Do you think the film is being adequately preserved?
Yes
No
How important do you think a film policy would be for the films here?
1 Not Important
2 Somewhat important
3 Very Important
4 I don’t know/Comment ___________________________________________
Would you like to see the History Center collect more films from or about Western Pennsylvania?
Yes
No
I Don’t Care
First draft of interview questions for David Grinnell and Alexis Macklin:
How large was the film collection prior to the merger with the Westinghouse Museum?
What are the main points you would like to see changed about the film collection? (Ex. storage, access, cataloging)
On what would you like the film policy to focus?
What, do you feel is the administrative attitude towards the film collection? (Ex. understanding, ignored, etc)
Will the History Center continue to collect film?
First draft of survey questions for volunteers and other staff:
Compared to other collections, how important is the film collection for research?
1 Not important
2 Somewhat important
3 Very important
4 I don’t know/Comment ___________________________________________
Do you think the film is being adequately preserved?
Yes
No
How important do you think a film policy would be for the films here?
1 Not Important
2 Somewhat important
3 Very Important
4 I don’t know/Comment ___________________________________________
Would you like to see the History Center collect more films from or about Western Pennsylvania?
Yes
No
I Don’t Care
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Week of June 15th
This week at the History Center, I continued film inspections. I am beginning to think about some of the policies that might be written up based on current practices. I am not sure how policies are generally decided on, but I have some ideas, I am just not completely sure that I am going about this in the proper way. I decided that polices are likely born out of three possible scenarios. 1) Polices are drafted based on theories, they are put into place prior to encountering problems associated with whatever the policy is on. An example would be developing a film storage policy before the institution gets any film. 2) Polices may be drafted based on theories and created as a reaction against problems associated with situation x. The example being “film has always been stored like ‘this’, which is very bad, so a policy is drafted to change existing procedure”. 3) Policies may be drafted based on proper handling of situation x. The example here is “we store film like ‘this’, which is the proper method, we should draft a policy documenting what we do”. I feel like the situation at the History Center is a combination of the second and third examples. There may be more to this, but I have not had a whole lot of time to develop this line of thinking, and I am not entirely sure that it would be worthwhile for me to do so at this time.
My observations this week are this:
Inspection
Films are inspected based on The Film Preservation Guide for Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Films are checked for emulsion and base scratches, dirt, perforation/edge damage and repair, and color fading. The History Center does not currently have the ability to check for shrinkage or warping. The films are identified using size, base material, color/bw, sound/silent, length, collection, title, and collection number.
Processing
Films are taken off of their current reels, which are non archival. They are inspected for the above criteria. During processing, films are transferred to plastic cores.
Storage
Films are stored in archival film containers and stacked on shelving units in the “E Room”. Films are not to be stacked more than 5 high. They are marked with a tag on the outside of the container which has a number that corresponds to the one assigned on the inspection sheet. The split in the core is not used during storage. Films are taped to the core, and the tail is secured with a small piece of tape.
This weekend I plan on reviewing some of the film policies that you (Janet) have provided me. I want to get a better idea of what things need addressed by a film preservation policy. I will use this information to focus my observations. I am also going to put together a small survey and perhaps some interview questions for archives employees, so that I can begin honing in on the institutional attitude.
word count = 495
My observations this week are this:
Inspection
Films are inspected based on The Film Preservation Guide for Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Films are checked for emulsion and base scratches, dirt, perforation/edge damage and repair, and color fading. The History Center does not currently have the ability to check for shrinkage or warping. The films are identified using size, base material, color/bw, sound/silent, length, collection, title, and collection number.
Processing
Films are taken off of their current reels, which are non archival. They are inspected for the above criteria. During processing, films are transferred to plastic cores.
Storage
Films are stored in archival film containers and stacked on shelving units in the “E Room”. Films are not to be stacked more than 5 high. They are marked with a tag on the outside of the container which has a number that corresponds to the one assigned on the inspection sheet. The split in the core is not used during storage. Films are taped to the core, and the tail is secured with a small piece of tape.
This weekend I plan on reviewing some of the film policies that you (Janet) have provided me. I want to get a better idea of what things need addressed by a film preservation policy. I will use this information to focus my observations. I am also going to put together a small survey and perhaps some interview questions for archives employees, so that I can begin honing in on the institutional attitude.
word count = 495
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Week of June 8th
I continued to do film inspections today at the History Center. I was also looking at some of the basic elements of a film preservation policy. One of the key components that David wants in the policy is the History Center’s definition of preservation, as opposed to conservation. The policy should also cover a schedule for re-inspecting films at some pre-determined interval. Finally, the policy should cover storage and handling. I am not sure if we will be able to complete the policy before the internship is over, but I am confident that I will at least be able to do the preliminary research to draft the policy.
As I mentioned I did film inspections this week. I am working with films from Westinghouse Electric. They range in dates from the late 50’s to late 80’s. The ones that I have seen seem to be made up primarily of internal education/propaganda films. (Along the lines of, “This is why Westinghouse is a great place to work”). The films that I have looked at have been in very good shape. I am not sure how they were housed in Wilmerding, but it must not have been too bad. There is a lot of dirt, but very little scratching or tearing. I mentioned last week that Theresa and I had done a little research about tracking down film supplies, and I was wondering if you might be able to recommend a specific vendor to look at, who has materials at reasonable prices. We were looking for leader, tape, and maybe a splicer, also, maybe canisters and cores. The History Center canisters and cores, but they will run out soon, and I would like to see where we can get the best deal.
The next step, which I am doing right now actually, is to find some existing film archive policies that other institutions have put in place. This way I can see some of the common elements, and give me a little direction. I want to see which policies already exist at the History Center that can be modified to fit a moving image policy, and which policies need to be fleshed out more from scratch. I also want to write some interview questions, and maybe a survey to be completed by some of the employees and volunteers in the Library and Archive. My goal is to set a baseline for knowledge and attitude about film collections. Hopefully, I can get this stuff finished this weekend, so that I can distribute the survey, or do an interview or two next week.
Word Count = 429
As I mentioned I did film inspections this week. I am working with films from Westinghouse Electric. They range in dates from the late 50’s to late 80’s. The ones that I have seen seem to be made up primarily of internal education/propaganda films. (Along the lines of, “This is why Westinghouse is a great place to work”). The films that I have looked at have been in very good shape. I am not sure how they were housed in Wilmerding, but it must not have been too bad. There is a lot of dirt, but very little scratching or tearing. I mentioned last week that Theresa and I had done a little research about tracking down film supplies, and I was wondering if you might be able to recommend a specific vendor to look at, who has materials at reasonable prices. We were looking for leader, tape, and maybe a splicer, also, maybe canisters and cores. The History Center canisters and cores, but they will run out soon, and I would like to see where we can get the best deal.
The next step, which I am doing right now actually, is to find some existing film archive policies that other institutions have put in place. This way I can see some of the common elements, and give me a little direction. I want to see which policies already exist at the History Center that can be modified to fit a moving image policy, and which policies need to be fleshed out more from scratch. I also want to write some interview questions, and maybe a survey to be completed by some of the employees and volunteers in the Library and Archive. My goal is to set a baseline for knowledge and attitude about film collections. Hopefully, I can get this stuff finished this weekend, so that I can distribute the survey, or do an interview or two next week.
Word Count = 429
Friday, June 5, 2009
Heinz Center Week of June 1st
I got to handle some film today. I started doing film inspections. The inspections were based on the form in the Moving Image Archive book put out by SAA. Theresa and I were checking films for condition, and identifying key characteristics such as the date of release, color or b&w, and silent or soundtrack. I have not got into the part that I would like to do my research project on yet (ie policy), but the experience has been very rewarding thus far. I worked for about 2 hours doing the film inspections, during this time Theresa and I finished 3 films. We switched checking and writing duties. I think that this really sped up the process, and may be ideal, especially for handling large collections like the one we are working with.
Another part of the internship, which may be useful to my research, and is very helpful for professional experience is equipment pricing. The History Center has not been known for its film collection, but happened to inherit this collection through a merger. They have very little equipment for handling and processing film, but David is interested in purchasing more. Theresa and I spent a little time on our own finding some vendors for film equipment. We were pricing a splicer and tape, leader, and generally trying to get a feel for who sells these materials and what their prices are. It is great to be part of an institution during a change because I will be able to see how other employees react to these issues.
I think that for my research I want to examine how a facility that does not have policies for handling film creates and implements the policies, and how it affects the institution.
Another part of the internship, which may be useful to my research, and is very helpful for professional experience is equipment pricing. The History Center has not been known for its film collection, but happened to inherit this collection through a merger. They have very little equipment for handling and processing film, but David is interested in purchasing more. Theresa and I spent a little time on our own finding some vendors for film equipment. We were pricing a splicer and tape, leader, and generally trying to get a feel for who sells these materials and what their prices are. It is great to be part of an institution during a change because I will be able to see how other employees react to these issues.
I think that for my research I want to examine how a facility that does not have policies for handling film creates and implements the policies, and how it affects the institution.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Internship Week 1
This week I met with David Grinnell at the Heinz History Center. We discussed the logistics of the internship. Mainly, I will be handling Westinghouse film, from a large unprocessed collection. I will be doing inspections of the film, re-housing as necissary, and helping the History Center define some policies regarding their film collection. I am very excited to begin working on the project.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Readings for 12/2
No Place to Hide
I've had several friends get questioned by the FBI and it is interesting the stuff that they keep track of about you. I've decided that they likely have files for most Americans. I've always wondered what my file would look like. Just thinking about they types of stuff I look at on the Internet, especially depending on what papers I'm writing at the time. A short sample of things that I imagine have made the cut and got accepted into my FBI file: Consensual Cannibalism: The Solution to Over-population and world hunger, Black Liberation Theology, Islam and the Western World, and now No Place to Hide.com.
EPIC TIA
Hasn't England been doing this shit for years, with the CCTV? Regardless tis a bit strange. It is interesting though that the thing people love about the Internet is its Acheles Heel. "Free information for everybody, including the government." I wonder if the rise of Web 2.0 will make these problems worse? The government surely tracks who updates wikis and what type of information they add or subtract. If I write up that Wikipedia article on Vegan Cannibal Muslim-Sympathizers, how long before they're knocking on my door?
YouTube Video
Copyright infringement, or secret government crackdowns?
I've had several friends get questioned by the FBI and it is interesting the stuff that they keep track of about you. I've decided that they likely have files for most Americans. I've always wondered what my file would look like. Just thinking about they types of stuff I look at on the Internet, especially depending on what papers I'm writing at the time. A short sample of things that I imagine have made the cut and got accepted into my FBI file: Consensual Cannibalism: The Solution to Over-population and world hunger, Black Liberation Theology, Islam and the Western World, and now No Place to Hide.com.
EPIC TIA
Hasn't England been doing this shit for years, with the CCTV? Regardless tis a bit strange. It is interesting though that the thing people love about the Internet is its Acheles Heel. "Free information for everybody, including the government." I wonder if the rise of Web 2.0 will make these problems worse? The government surely tracks who updates wikis and what type of information they add or subtract. If I write up that Wikipedia article on Vegan Cannibal Muslim-Sympathizers, how long before they're knocking on my door?
YouTube Video
Copyright infringement, or secret government crackdowns?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Readings
Digital Libraries:Challenges and Influential Work
This article gave a breif history of the development of digital libraries. There seemed to be very strong government funding in the early 90's for these projects. I wonder how much government funding is still being allocated to this research and development. I also thought that it was interesting that the author recognized Google-Scholar as legitimate competition for digital libraries. I often wonder about the long-term ramifications of having large amounts of academic research material in the hands of corporate scum.
Dewey meets Turing
It seems like the Librarian/Computer Scientist relationship was a match made in heaven. But, just like any relationship, you let her move in and she steals your dog and throws away your recliner. Or in this case, misunderstands the importance of metadata and considers collection development "quaint".
On a more serious note, this article was pretty cool. There is definatly a lot to be learned from these two disciplines. I think that as more library school move to the ISchool format the focus on computer science will become even more apparent than it already is.
Institutional Repositories
The possiblities with institutional repositories are very exciting. I think that broader dissemination of scholarly communication is very important, especially in a peer-review setting. It can also be helpful to prevent plagarism. Apparently my undergraduate university had a database of student papers that could be searched against current papers for plagarism. I'm not sure if this was ever used, but several professors used it as a scare tactic. One problem I always had, and I'm glad the author mentioned, was the fact that the University was keeping my intellectual property. I wondered if they had copyright over my material, according to the aforementioned professors we signed some nature of waiver allowing them to database our papers, but I don't remember reading that.
This article gave a breif history of the development of digital libraries. There seemed to be very strong government funding in the early 90's for these projects. I wonder how much government funding is still being allocated to this research and development. I also thought that it was interesting that the author recognized Google-Scholar as legitimate competition for digital libraries. I often wonder about the long-term ramifications of having large amounts of academic research material in the hands of corporate scum.
Dewey meets Turing
It seems like the Librarian/Computer Scientist relationship was a match made in heaven. But, just like any relationship, you let her move in and she steals your dog and throws away your recliner. Or in this case, misunderstands the importance of metadata and considers collection development "quaint".
On a more serious note, this article was pretty cool. There is definatly a lot to be learned from these two disciplines. I think that as more library school move to the ISchool format the focus on computer science will become even more apparent than it already is.
Institutional Repositories
The possiblities with institutional repositories are very exciting. I think that broader dissemination of scholarly communication is very important, especially in a peer-review setting. It can also be helpful to prevent plagarism. Apparently my undergraduate university had a database of student papers that could be searched against current papers for plagarism. I'm not sure if this was ever used, but several professors used it as a scare tactic. One problem I always had, and I'm glad the author mentioned, was the fact that the University was keeping my intellectual property. I wondered if they had copyright over my material, according to the aforementioned professors we signed some nature of waiver allowing them to database our papers, but I don't remember reading that.
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