Over the decades, information about these collections was kept in various software systems with different data models and inconsistent metadata quality. The NFA therefore decided to build a new information system that would address the following challenges:
- Inconsistencies and duplicates: eliminate duplicate cataloging and unify the data models.
- Transition to an international standard: standardize metadata description according to the FIAF manual (International Federation of Film Archives) and authority description according to CAM (Central Archival Module).
- Unified cataloging and linked data: cover the description of the various types of managed documents and allow them to be linked via internal persistent identifiers.
- A user-friendly solution: remain easy to use despite the extensive and complex data structure.
- Accessibility and findability: enable advanced search across databases and exports in various formats.
That is why Trinera is building Filmodel — a web application that provides a single interface for displaying, cataloging and searching selected types of collection items, including authority records and event records.
The solution
Analysis and mapping of the original data and metadata
In its first phase, Filmodel began with an extensive analysis of the existing metadata sources. The aim was to map the data fields and their meaning and to create a mapping scheme between the old structures of authority records and the new target database that will provide records according to FIAF. Trinera analyzed the data for the authority module, while the NFA analyzed the filmographic data and visual materials.
Information architecture design and data transformation
Based on this analysis, the authority metadata was converted into a new structure extending the metadata standard of the Central Archival Module (CAM), while the NFA worked on converting filmographic metadata from the current systems into the new standard according to FIAF recommendations.
The modular architecture stores data for different content types in separate databases (PostgreSQL), and a secondary Elasticsearch database is used for search. Communication with the front end (Angular) takes place via an API.
User interface and modular design
The project centres on a web user interface that partly mirrors the modular structure of the system. Users will be able to switch between modules:
- Films
- Authorities
- Grants and awards
- Posters and photographs
- Code lists
- Users
Each module allows users to view, edit and search data that is linked across the whole system via identifiers. In addition, a comprehensive mechanism of user permissions and record status controls who has access to records and in which mode they can work with them.
Every change is written to an audit log, and based on this data users can subscribe to follow changes. Some modules will allow users to create user lists, merge duplicate records and more.
In this development, Trinera combined in-depth knowledge of memory institutions with modern software development and was thus an equal partner not only on the technological level, but also with regard to the needs of the archive’s staff and the long-term sustainability of the data.
