Digitization
Selective Digitization and Data Gathering
The Marketing Department of a global pharmaceuticals company needed digitization services. They were producing a documentary video on their history introducing new products and creating markets in Central and South America ad needed help. However, because they lacked authoritative data, their top priority to digitize historic examples. And, above all, they needed documentation to confirm and verify six different product introduction dates in 8-10 countries.
THE PLAN
A small team of archivists researched the company in articles and books. Soon, they discovered a predecessor company’s corporate records were owned by a University Library. While many records dated from the company’s origins, a finding aid was available online. This provided key data. However, most of the collection was not available online and required on-site work.
US Map, in Richardson-Vicks, Inc., Records #4468, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, UNC at Chapel Hill
THE SOLUTION
A local researcher familiar with the University Library provided hands-on access. To help reduce costs and time required, and with guidance from the finding aid, he quickly identified examples of marketing imagery. In addition, he photographed examples from each country. He sent the images to the client for approval. After they made their final selections, University Library staff digitized photos at high-resolution. Then, the team curated a group of 100 representative images telling the story over time and space.
THE DELIVERABLES
This project was a convergence of many moving parts. Initially, the team captured data, centralized information, and digitized paper materials that had been inaccessible. Then, with all of the data, they provided a package of deliverables. These contained
- a color-coded timeline organized by product-introduction dates
- a spreadsheet with product information dates arranged by country
- 100 high-res TIFF images plus access copies including photographs, advertising and marketing materials based on country and product
- a website providing narrative descriptions with meaningful context related to product or target audience
All the data and digital assets helped document the products and the messaging over time. The client insights added important context and value for future marketing, planning, and strategy.
To view a complete list of clients with whom we have worked, please visit our Clients home page.
To view a pilot site of the images from this project, click here.
Three Elves and a Vick Bottle, in Richardson-Vicks, Inc., Records #4468, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, UNC at Chapel Hill
Two Men balance on a rock, in the Richardson-Vicks, Inc., Records #4468, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, UNC at Chapel Hill