ABSTRACT
The use of visual media, both as a source of information or entertainment, and as an illustrative or promotional tool, is becoming increasingly widespread. Traditional techniques of managing text-based information do not apply when dealing with audiovisual media, although some can be used as a starting point. Browsing, to locate the relevant information, is not a direct or straightforward process. Equipment is needed to view the material, and, in many cases, the process is relatively slow, unless a suitable indexing system has been employed. The management of moving images tends to be more complex than for stills, and much of the guide reflects this, although many of the principles apply equally to both media. Many of the suggestions follow standards and principles adopted by the archive of the British Broadcasting Corporation, with references to best practice in other media archives.
