Definition of
a Visual Archive:
In the broadest sense, a visual archive is a searchable
image resource containing
thousands of
images, be they moving or still, revolving around identifiable and
clearly
defined themes.
Let us try this again: In the broadest sense, a visual
archive is a repository of images and video footage, not necessarily, but preferably,
coherent in thematic organization, and comprehensive in scope.
And again, looking at it from a different angle:
The condition
of a comprehensive and publicly accessible visual archive is fulfilled when the materials contained therein, such
as digitized still images, video clips, or other visual documentation of various
kinds, have been fully described through indexable metadata which can be queried by
a patron via a browser-integrated search engine.
SATISFIED?
Me neither…