Decide on a Workflow

Working with the partner organization and the chosen collection(s), you can start developing a likely workflow for the day-of the workshop. The workflow incorporates established practices and procedures of the organization and addresses the goals set in the project agreement. Workflows will vary based on the media types and formats being focused on, as well as space availability.

Defining the tasks that will be performed is key to all the preparation that follows. For example:

  • Will the films and tapes be labeled with unique identifiers?
  • Will the workshop organizers provide a template for cataloging or does the site have one?
  • How many items will be examined and cataloged?
  • Is re-housing possible or desired?
  • For film materials, how will inspection be accomplished?
  • What is the ideal number of moving image archivists and volunteers?
  • Will everyone be doing the same tasks or will there be different stations where different work is being done?
  • Will there be additional presentations or demonstrations throughout the day?

Workflows will be finalized when you are onsite preparing for the workshop. Sometimes it is possible to meet the day before and settle on the workflow, and other times you will only have the 1-2 hours of preparation before participants arrive to finalize the workflow. Keep workflows simple and focused on agreed upon workshop outcomes.

Workflows will be finalized when you are onsite preparing for the workshop. Sometimes it is possible to meet the day before and settle on the workflow, and other times you will only have the 1-2 hours of preparation before participants arrive to finalize the workflow. Keep workflows simple and focused on agreed upon workshop outcomes.