The production log: A digital imaging capacity replication project

Abstract

The University of North Texas Digital Projects Unit Imaging Lab (DPU) took on the challenge of providing project completion estimates to its partners. The DPU replicated the Points Process system developed by the Northwestern University Libraries’ Repository and Digital Curation Department. The project has enabled the lab to begin estimating the time necessary to complete imaging projects that come through the lab, thus giving staff members the ability to start measuring the capacity of the lab. This paper will report on the process and steps taken by the lab and best practices for repeating the process elsewhere. The DPU intends to extend the measuring of capacity by adding inventory and metadata numbers as well as developing a more automated method for capturing production statistics. Being able to quantify lab capacity will enable lab staff to better arrange for the scheduling of projects with both internal and external faculty and staff.