In the past decade, the way image based media is created, disseminated, and shared has changed exponentially, as digital imaging technology has replaced traditional film based media. Digital images have become the pervasive photographic medium of choice for the general public. Most libraries, archives, museums, and galleries have undertaken some type of digitisation program: converting their holdings into two dimensional digital images which are available for the general user via the Internet. This raises issues for those aiming to facilitate the creation and preservation of digital images whilst supplying and improving user access to image based material.

Digital Images for the Information Professional provides an overview of the place of images in the changing information environment, and the use, function, and appropriation of digital images in both institutional and personal settings. Covering the history, technical underpinnings, sustainability, application, and management of digital images, the text is an accessible guide to both established and developing imaging technologies, providing those within the information sector with essential background knowledge of this increasingly ubiquitous medium.

Contents: Preface; Introduction; The history of digital images; Digital image fundamentals; Image file formats; Digital images and memory institutions; Personal digital image collections; Image metadata; Current issues in digital imaging; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author: Melissa M. Terras is the Senior Lecturer in Electronic Communication in the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies at University College London. With a background in History of Art and
English Literature, Computing Science, and Engineering, her research focuses on applying computing techniques in the arts and humanities which allow research that would otherwise be impossible.

Reviews: The digital image is an increasingly important artefact in all aspects of modern life, but who really understands what it is and how it relates to analogue formats? Well, Melissa Terras does, and in this wonderful book she outlines the fundamental properties of images, and the many issues that need to be understood by those who want to use them properly. Primarily aimed at the information professional, this work is so well-written, well-researched and accessible that it will prove a vital tool for all who are concerned to know more about this fascinating topic.
Professor Marilyn Deegan, Director of Research Development at the Centre for Computing in the Humanities, KCL, UK

'The book is indeed an essential reference and guide for those who use or create digital images for various applications in the library, archive, museum, culture and heritage sectors, or for those who wish to learn more about the digitization environment and issues regarding the format and longevity of both institutional and personal digital image data.'
Literary and Linguistic Computing

'This is an excellent book...It is one of the best books in information management I have read for many years...It covers all aspects of the subject relevant to the target readership, gives clarity to complex matters, includes all recent scholarship including
a very long bibliography, and has a solid structure and a good index. All in all, this is a book that every information manager should read and I heartily congratulate Melissa M. Terras for her work and Ashgate for publishing it.'
The Electronic Library

Extracts from this title are available to view:

Full contents list

Introduction

Index