Using my revised Guidelines outlined in the previous post, I completed cataloging, indexing, and segment curation for a second VHS collection. This collection was comprised of 16 VHS and ran at approximately 11 hours total. It took me 4 hours and 1 minute to complete both the descriptive and evaluative processes, a significant improvement over the last collection. The total running time for this collection was shorter, but I also believe I saved a lot of time by streamlining the Evaluation and Appraisal Guidelines. Notating possible segments during the cursory viewing did not decrease the quality of the segments I ultimately chose, therefore I feel it was a beneficial adjustment to the guidelines.
I only created 9 segments from this collection, and I may cut 3 of them after consulting my supervisor. I followed my appraisal criteria of historic value, social or cultural value, educational value, appropriateness for a public audience, representativeness, rarity, and watchability. Most of the videos only met the criteria of social or cultural value and representativeness, although none were inappropriate for the public. Almost all of the videos fell below the base guidelines of what I would consider a “watchable” video. The camera-handling was very unsteady, and the picture was often unfocused. Even if the content of a video is great, it is useless in the library if it is unwatchable. The content of these videos was also a factor in segment selection. While the content of home videos is invaluable for the family, who can almost always discern the people, places, occasions, and memories they portray, most of it was not meaningful for a broad audience. Many of the videos were home scenes without a clear subject, so at times, it was difficult for me to determine what was going on in a scene. Other content was not likely to enrich the online library as it was mostly Christmases and birthdays. There was one exceptional Christmas morning where the extended family prayed before dinner in both English and Spanish, portraying the duality of multi-ethnic Texan (and American) families, but it was too shaky to use in the library. The segments that were usable will be good for increasing representativeness of Mexican-American life and culture, as well as the relationship between border towns El Paso and Juarez.
In my next meeting with my field supervisor, I plan to finalize my guidelines proposal then use the final draft to complete a third VHS collection.