Digital Images for the Information Professional

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.

'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.' Marilyn Deegan, 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 'I recommend this book to my colleagues: it is rich in content and provides a pleasant reading experience.' Library Management, Vol 30, 2010 '...The book has the potential to appeal to a much wider audience than the title suggests. With a solid historical and contemporary context underpinning all of the issues discussed, this book will also be of interest to photographers, anthropologists, art historians, and those in the creative industries, and any researcher/academic who needs to find out more about digital images. ... perfect for anyone wanting to find out about digital images, ...an interesting mix of reference, theory and practice.' Library Hi Tech, Vol 28 no 1, 2010 '... written in a highly readable style ... Terras has exposed a topic fertile for future research and discussion.' Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, Vol 35, no 1 March 2010 'Digital Images for the Information Professional is a welcome addition to the literature available to those engaged in the business of creating, managing, and distributing digital images, as well as to anyone with a curiosity about the history and future of digital imagery.' Records Management Journal, Volume 19 No. 2, 2009 '...very helpful and informative.' - Journal of Archival Organization, Vol 8, No 1 , 2010

• 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.