William A. Broom
Technical developments in electronic imaging technology already provide valuable new tools for students and scholars of art and art history. Until prepackaged systems which employ standardized technology and meet the needs of many diverse users are commonly available in the marketplace, many institutions wishing to employ this technology must develop their own solution from an emerging wealth of options.
Determining which specific technical solutions are appropriate in a specific situation depends upon an analysis of critical criteria. These include mission objectives, availability of appropriate software, technological concerns and emering standards, hardware options, networking, technical support, staffing, image sources, and funding for initial installation, maintenance, upgrading and expansion of services.
These issues were addressed by Duke Univeristy during the development of a successful electronic art image study resource. Many issues addressed by Duke during its project development are briefly explained in this article.