[lca-mm] Paper proposal,

[Denis Crowdy]

Hi,

I would like to propose a talk for the multimedia miniconf as follows:

Name: Denis Crowdy
Affiliation: Macquarie University
Title of talk: Survivor Melanesia - Ethnomusicologist vs Annodex
Proposed Length of Talk: 25mins
Short abstract (100-300 words):

The storage and retrieval of video and audio recordings for 
ethnomusicological research is an obvious application of annotation and 
compressed media technology.  Although there are proprietary systems for 
ethnographic research that can be used, the benefits of open source 
formats and applications lie in ensuring the longevity of accessing such 
data.  This becomes a critical issue where digital archives are concerned.

This paper explores my role in the development of a simple web based 
system to store, annotate, search and retrieve audio and video data 
built on top of Annodex libraries and tools.  As an amateur in software 
development, I focus on how this was possible by discussing experiences 
with documentation and example code, but most importantly the 
intellectual generosity of a range of professional software engineers 
involved in open source development is detailed as most critical.

The case study used is an application titled "arkaiv" which has been 
trialled as part of a research project funded by Macquarie University 
exploring appropriate technology (solar powered multitrack recording) 
and archiving tools in Melanesia.  Success from this project has 
resulted in its use in a larger research project funded by the 
Australian Research Council exploring the music industries in Melanesia, 
with over a thousand media files currently annotated and stored.

The aim is to make observations that might be useful to people building 
the libraries and underlying technology that makes such activity a 
realistic proposition for an increasing population of open source 
software development enthusiasts without professional training and skills.

Homepage: http://www.motekulo.net

Thanks,

Denis

-- 
Dr Denis Crowdy
Department of Contemporary Music Studies, Macquarie University
+61 2 9850 6787
http://www.dcms.mq.edu.au
http://www.motekulo.net    http://www.melanesianmusic.org