Ambition and Ambivalence: A Study of Professional Attitudes toward Digital Distribution of Archival Moving Images

This study explores attitudes of moving image archivists and digital projects managers toward the digitization and online distribution of archival moving image materials. The primary method for gathering data about this subject was through in-depth interviewing of individuals who have managed moving image digitization projects in archival settings. The investigator discusses challenges in launching and sustaining digital projects and the evolving audience for archival moving images. Archivists also must reconcile their desire to provide more access with concerns about quality of digital surrogates, legal restrictions such as copyright, and how online distribution may impact relations with creators, donors, and content owners.