Visual Resources Project Workflow

(not a linear process; primarily LUNA): Project Initiation: * Establish project :

o      mock-up of end-user data window showing data element order and nesting,

            Metadata                        Determine Data Conformance---VRA compatibility, etc.

                        Finesse data as necessary (controlled vocab; clean fields, etc)

                                     Luna Tech**- Request Collection Set-up (usually Gale request this of Surinder)

User Testing/Usability (write-up by Gale Halpern): For a new collection:            | Testing Procedure | Description | Staff |

Functionality

Simple searches by someone who is familiar with the database based on the search options (key word, date, etc.) and the data fields
Test the aspects of the collection that are unique - for example hierarchies.

 

User interface

Check the main elements of the home page (images, help page, contact information, background information, credits, etc.) to make sure that they are complete and easy to find

 

User help

There should be a help page with information on software, browser recommendations, contact information for help

 

Consistency

Try out different browsers and versions (Netscape, Explorer)

 

Security

Test if the system is limited to a certain domain name or open access

 

Capacity

Coordinate 4-5 people searching the image database at the same time to assess impact

 

Performance

Connect to and search the system during different times of the day to test response time

 

Recovery

Backups, archiving load files

 

Maintenance

Error reporting, etc.

 

Documentation

Information about key aspects of the project (technical metadata)

 

Archiving

Safe storage of master images and source metadata, in addition to other contextual scripts and programs (METS, VRA model, etc.)

 

    For a Version Update or System Change:* Test different derivative sizes

  • Image Groups/Creating/Saving/Browsing and Client access under different logins
  • Remote Launch Link
  • Macintosh connections and use
  • Links to web sites (webfeat, various URLS)
  • Cross Collection searches
  • Annotations  Promotion: Strategies for Digital Collections Created by DCAPS (compiled by Fiona Patrick)

Focus on public access benefits and communicating value of the collections I. Via CUL resources: -         Cataloging of collection as whole (Find Databases)  and individual monograph/journal titles when appropriate - Networked Electronic Resource Form - http://www.library.cornell.edu/voyager/Order/netrescatform.html

-         Links and project summaries on http://dcaps.library.cornell.edu/facultygrants/

-         Announcement  on CUL Gateway

-         IRPC-L (which is in the process of being transferred to a PSEC list) or perhaps CU-Lib, so that we do not leave out anyone (selectors may be interested in new collections).

-         InsideCUL article or announcement

\-         Announcements/articles in specific library print/online newsletters as related to collection.  \[ex. Arts & Humanities news, Primary Source (Law Library) \]  *II. Via CU resources:* \-         Press release and articles in Cornell Chronicle  (FOCUS on CUL monthly column)

-         Work with faculty members in announcing collections on their departmental websites

-         Promoting it on Cornell website (www.cornell.edu)  III. Via global community: A. Identifying Target Audiences

 

 

B. Mechanisms for wide accessibility

Training & Support

-        Improving Help & Contact pages

-        Training Sessions for Faculty/ Users