December brings us to the end of our series introducing the Polish Music Library portal. Over the past twelve months we have written about sheet music, graphic materials, and entries from the Music Encyclopedia. However, the PBM is so much more than just its resources…
So what makes up PBM…
…or better yet: who creates it?
Digitization, archiving and making resources available online are parts of a complex process that brings together specialists of many different fields, all of whom bring their expertise to the table.
→ Choosing resources
We begin by selecting and evaluating materials. The resources chosen for this project have been carefully cataloged. We make sure that each item is part of our musical heritage and holds significance for Polish culture – and through that, for you, our users.
fot. Mikołaj Górecki/dumdumpictures.com
→ Scanning and digital processing
Samplers, resolution, parameters are part of the daily work of the Digitization Team. State-of-the-art programs enable the initial file processing like cropping, deskewing pages and eliminating redundant elements while scanning. But it’s the final graphic processing of the digital material that makes it possible to convert files into formats ready for publication on the website. We prioritize quality! That’s why every file is reviewed by our editing team.
fot. Mikołaj Górecki/dumdumpictures.com
fot. Mikołaj Górecki/dumdumpictures.com
→ Archiving and Metadata Description
Files created as part of the project are archived in the digital repository, ensuring safe storage, processing and sharing conditions. Archive and Metadata Team describes each digital item using a standardized set of interpretative content. This process helps provide a thorough and accurate identification of every item.
→ Online Access and Content Development
We know that sharing and promoting digital resources, both nationally and internationally, makes them valuable for research, art, and education. That’s why we conscientiously prepare, edit, translate and create a network of content to provide a comprehensive view of each topic. Remember: full, unlimited access is available once you log in.
→ Promoting
The project’s information and promotional activities focus on spreading knowledge about what we do and what results we achieve. And what does that mean? We plan advertising campaigns in Poland and abroad. We take part in conferences and other industry events. We design promotional materials. We publish content on our website and social media. In a nutshell – we do everything we can to make sure you know what we are up to and what we have in store for you.
→ Monitoring our website and your activity
The results of all the actions described above are visible on the Polish Music Library website. However, this is not the end of the process. To ensure users have continuous access to information and resources, we regularly monitor the site’s performance, respond to your questions and concerns, and carefully observe and analyse website traffic. Your activity and interests are what motivates us to keep working.
Behind each and every task above there are people. One, courageous, working independently or a team that truly understand the meaning of collaboration. Overseeing it all is a group of coordinators guided by the project leader. As the year draws to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection and appreciation. We would like to express our gratitude and recognition to the entire Project Team whose daily work bears fruit we can all benefit from.