SPEC Kit 335: Digital Image Collections and Services · 21
SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
The SPEC Survey on Digital Image Collections and Services was designed by Mary Kandiuk, Visual Arts,
Design and Theatre Librarian, Aaron Lupton, Electronic Resources Librarian, and Catherine Davidson,
Associate University Librarian, Collections and Research, at York University. These results are based on data
submitted by 81 libraries at 72 of the 125 ARL member libraries (58%) by the deadline of May 27, 2013. The
survey’s introductory text and questions are reproduced below, followed by the response data and selected
comments from the respondents.
The growth of digital image collections has provided new opportunities for teaching, learning, and research at research institutions
and has transformed the role of ARL member libraries with respect to the provision of visual resources and services. The last decade
has seen the transition from analog to digital images and the growth of digital images available from commercial vendors and/or
created within institutions or their libraries. This is in large part a response to increasing demand for digital multimedia to augment
teaching, learning, and research endeavours across an array of disciplines.
The purpose of this survey is to examine how research libraries and their parent institutions have responded to these developments. It
will gather information about current practices relating to the development and management of institutional digital image collections
and the acquisition and use of licensed image databases. It will explore the infrastructure and support provided by research libraries
and/or their institutions with respect to the creation and use of digital images in teaching, learning and research including systems
and platforms, cataloguing and metadata, access and training, services and service points, and copyright and other rights issues. It
also seeks to identify collaborative strategies amongst ARL member institutions for the provision of digital images.
Some libraries have multiple, distinct units with digital image databases/resources. Because they may handle the material differently,
we will accept separate responses from as many distinct units or collections as wish to complete this survey so that we may get as
complete an understanding of current policy and practice as possible. But, a response from each unit that manages digital images is
not required. If more than one library or unit is responding for your institution, please submit separate surveys.
SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
The SPEC Survey on Digital Image Collections and Services was designed by Mary Kandiuk, Visual Arts,
Design and Theatre Librarian, Aaron Lupton, Electronic Resources Librarian, and Catherine Davidson,
Associate University Librarian, Collections and Research, at York University. These results are based on data
submitted by 81 libraries at 72 of the 125 ARL member libraries (58%) by the deadline of May 27, 2013. The
survey’s introductory text and questions are reproduced below, followed by the response data and selected
comments from the respondents.
The growth of digital image collections has provided new opportunities for teaching, learning, and research at research institutions
and has transformed the role of ARL member libraries with respect to the provision of visual resources and services. The last decade
has seen the transition from analog to digital images and the growth of digital images available from commercial vendors and/or
created within institutions or their libraries. This is in large part a response to increasing demand for digital multimedia to augment
teaching, learning, and research endeavours across an array of disciplines.
The purpose of this survey is to examine how research libraries and their parent institutions have responded to these developments. It
will gather information about current practices relating to the development and management of institutional digital image collections
and the acquisition and use of licensed image databases. It will explore the infrastructure and support provided by research libraries
and/or their institutions with respect to the creation and use of digital images in teaching, learning and research including systems
and platforms, cataloguing and metadata, access and training, services and service points, and copyright and other rights issues. It
also seeks to identify collaborative strategies amongst ARL member institutions for the provision of digital images.
Some libraries have multiple, distinct units with digital image databases/resources. Because they may handle the material differently,
we will accept separate responses from as many distinct units or collections as wish to complete this survey so that we may get as
complete an understanding of current policy and practice as possible. But, a response from each unit that manages digital images is
not required. If more than one library or unit is responding for your institution, please submit separate surveys.
