ImageMuse Research Agenda for 2009-2010
Investigation
1. Evaluate:
a. Virtual proofing
b. How to best work with lithographers who do not have color-managed
proofing systems
c. Color calibration of digital cameras for the purpose of art reproduction.
i. What are the most accurate calibration methods and how should they be evaluated ?
ii. What are the best practices to avoid problems arising from observer metamerism (human vs. camera) ?
d. Inclusion of color bars/grayscales (either photographed or synthetic) on image captures and guide prints. Identify the usefulness of this task and if useful, what is the best methodology to use so that printers will understand the purpose of the targets and will interpret/use them correctly.
e. Standard testing and evaluation procedures for new cameras including measurements of MTF, and S/N.
f. Testing and evaluation of prepress workflows including new experiences with GRACoL 2007
2. Workflow for high-quality color capture (including multi-spectral
imaging) and rapid image capture systems. Equipment recommendations for
small institutions with limited funds.
3. Color proofing in less than ideal situations: e.g., galleries and other non-standard lighting conditions. Recommendations regarding best practices and implications of poor practices. Workflows to match a designated viewing condition. Color appearance models and metamerism and how they factor in.
Communications
1. Communicate and gain acceptance of UPDIG-DISG in the broad cultural heritage community outside ImageMuse and with museum publishers, printers and image distributors.
2. Work with established color management experts to create a high-tier support network for industry-specific issues regarding fine art color reproduction in mass media.
3. Continue to play an active role in the UPDIG fine art reproductions specification in partnership with the ASMP Digital Standards Committee. This work is partially funded by an award to ASMP by the Library of Congress through the Preserving Creative America program.
4. Make presentations at professional conferences including the Museum Computer Network, IMLS WebWise, Museum Publishers Association, American Association of Museums and Frankfurt Book Fair.
5. Develop recommendations for digital imaging workflows for institutions with limited funds.
6. Work with Dr. Franziska Frey, McGhee Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, on a 30-month Mellon supported study to achieve these goals:
· To evaluate current practices in fine art image reproduction
· To determine the image quality generally achievable, and
· To establish a suggested framework for art image interchange.
See http://artimaging.rit.edu
Implementation
1. Test the UPDIG-DISG “What Museums Need” guidelines with aggregators and picture libraries e.g. ARTstor IAP, Art Resource, National Gallery, London and V&A Images to verify that providing guidelines, (posted on web sites regarding correct color handling and file formats), will result in the delivery of more technically appropriate digital files.
2. Survey what kinds of implementation support for full color-managed capture-to-press workflows are needed by ImageMuse member institutions.