TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 185

characteristic of being able to retrieve unsuspected but relevant material possessed outside the knowledge of the inquirer. This is especially useful in broader or more abstract subject enquiries.

There is a further and major element required in the HKGIS revised structure for its photographic and cuttings libraries and, indeed, for its film archive too. This is the ability to deliver to any customer worldwide whatever images or text they need for their newstory, etc. immediately and of broadcast quality. In the last few months video communication software has taken a quantum leap forward and a suitable system is now available which will link with the rest of the proposed changes. This would allow sophisticated remote searching and immediate delivery from any of the three archival collections at acceptable expense and on an auto charging basis, if so desired.

Finally, software options recently explored by the British Library, which will allow image manipulation, editing and enhancement as well as association and delivery

delivery could be incorporated within the system to serve internal or external user alike. One such software system was sent to Mr Moss for his evaluation but this is only one of a number which are currently on offer: that ultimately selected would depend upon the product of detailed mutual discussion of precise need.

4. Suggested Pilot Scheme

It is proposed that Dr Roads visits the HKGIS in December 93 to discuss the proposals contained in this paper with a view to determining an appropriate consultancy basis. During his two previous visits he had the opportunity of getting to know, in some depth, the nature and operation of the photographic, cuttings and film archives or libraries so that these proposals are already based upon a realistic assessment of likely need and actual limitations.

It is therefore formally proposed that a selection of equipment (including hardware and software) be purchased by the HKGIS sufficient to process a valid sample of photographs and cuttings and to take over the processing of current arisings and additions.

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There would be agreement on the selection of a number of topics or subjects to be input into the pilot e.g. the new airport, democratisation, tourism development and these would be input both for existing holdings and new additions. Basically all photographs and cuttings would be videographed either on to DAT or erasable optical disc or comparatively on to both. A neural database would be purchased and used on all new materials and, progressively, in greater and greater retrospect. The latest communications software capable of video transmission at broadcast quality would be installed and linked to selected major customers.