f.a.q.
the collection
Will this site offer more features, or is this it?
We are currently in the process of building the collection, and then will put more focus on rolling out collection features. Thanks for your patience!
Where are all the images and metadata stored?
The images 'live' on Flickr, and we store the metadata in a local database. We also describe the images on Flickr with machine tags, but currently do not use them.
How is the collection juried?
The collection is juried by a five member curatorial board.
What about the long term preservation of the collection?
We are currently working out a strategy for long term preservation of the collection as well as strategies for migration of the collection to platforms beyond Flickr. Our first step in this process has been to integrate the Creative Commons license into the submissions process for images, thus assuring our ability to repurpose the images outside of Flickr. Some ideas for long term preservation include a dark archive of the collection, and incrementally moving the collection into other larger online collections of art images.
Who is supporting the project?
In the pilot state, the project is currently supported by the efforts of a group of employees at Lewis & Clark College and hosted on Watzek Library's web site. To expand and sustain the project, we are seeking funds from external sources. We also recently received a grant from NITLE that will help us build and promote the collection. Not to grovel, but if you're interested in supporting the collection, let us know!
submitting images
Can anyone contribute images?
Artists are invited by the accessCeramics staff (via the curatorial board) to contribute images. If you want to be considered for an invitation, please send five or more images and a current resume and/or a portfolio link to accessceramics@gmail.com.
How do I submit an image to the collection?
Once you login, you can either select one of your existing Flickr images, or upload a new one. Once you select or upload an image, follow the link to catalog the image. Once submitted, an image waits in a queue to be accepted or rejected by the Collection curator.
What are the image quality standards?
All images in the collection should be sufficient for classroom use. Images should have a minimum DPI (dots per inch)of 72, a short end of at least 768px, or a long end of at least 1024px.
Can I just send you a CD with my images?
At this point we are not accepting CDs with images, though we are more than happy to help you through the process of submitting your images on Flickr. Just email Miranda (missmcosta@gmail.com), and she will help you get started.
I submitted and image. Why isn't it appearing?
Once submitted, an image waits in a queue for review. We try to review the images in a timely manner, but there may be an occasional delay.
I want to contribute images, but all these steps are confusing. How can I do this with the least amount of pain/anguish?
Once your Flickr account is set up and your invitation to the group is accepted, the easiest way to contribute is to use our upload feature, and then catalog the images when uploaded. We can also create a Flickr account for you, and then give you the login and password (which you can then change). If you're interested in this approach, email Miranda (missmcosta@gmail.com).
technical
What metadata schema do you use?
The metadata fields are a mix of Dublin Core and VRA Core. This route was chosen to simplify the image cataloging process. Most field values in cataloging menus were selected from the Getty Art and Architecture Thesaurus.
How do you deal with copyright issues for the images?
Contributors to the Collection must own the copyright on images submitted. During the cataloging process, each image is assigned a Creative Commons license.
What technologies are used in the site?
This site is written in PHP, and uses phpFlickr to communicate with the Flickr API. The site also uses JQuery for various javascript and AJAX functions. Metadata is stored in a MySQL database.
