INTRODUCTION
Institutions inaugurating digital imaging initiatives must address managerial
issues. These can be characterized variously, but they all boil down to
correlating resources and processes with project goals. Project goals,
such as enhancing access or promoting efficiencies must be translated
into project deliverables, such as digital image files, accompanying
metadata, and Web-accessible databases. A manager will have a greater
chance of completing the project successfully if she has a hand in defining
project goals and deliverables. The figure below places goals and deliverables
at the center of project management. Radiating out from them are institutional
resources, including collections, personnel, finances, space, time, and
technical capabilities. These elements will enhance or constrain digitization
efforts. The outer circle represents the processes or steps that encompass
digital imaging initiatives.
Management Wheel:
The figure demonstrates the organic nature
of digital imaging, with interdependencies connecting goals, resources,
and processes.
Among
responsibilities that fall to project managers are the following:
Setting realistic timelines, objectives, and expectations
Determining the best approach for accomplishing project goals
Developing and defending budgets
Facilitating communication among project participants, including outside
vendors