Picdar's picture library improves efficiency for RNLI

INTERNAL AVAILABILITY of photos is the third phase of the RNLI's implementation of Picdar's Media Mogul solution. Over an intranet, archived photos are now easily viewed and ordered by RNLI staff from head office, nine branch offices and four divisional bases.

Phase I involved the conversion of 15,000 archived images into digital images on the DAM system. Phase II saw the sourcing and conversion of a further 5,000 modern and international photos. The final phase will see the picture library being made available to all of its 224 lifeboat stations throughout the UK.

More than 20,000 images have been converted into Picdar's DAM system and images date back to 1886 when a photograph was first taken of the flagship RNLI lifeboat.

Typically, these images are used across the whole organisation for promotional material; sea safety and beach rescue leaflets; presentations; Lifeboat Magazine, its in-house publication; its website; for recruitment and for displays at the Southampton and London Boat Shows.

Implementing Picdar's solution has also made the sourcing and distribution of photographs far easier and more efficient for external customers. This was self-evident during the RNLI's 175th anniversary when demand for historical images was intensive.

Derek King, RNLI photo archivist and photographer says, "Previously we would have had to ensure we stock-piled a selection of photos for the event. Now there is no need. The majority of our originals have been scanned into the Picdar system and can be sent electronically within minutes. This has not only saved us a considerable amount of time and resource, it has, more importantly, enabled us to achieve greater visibility within the press because we can meet their deadlines. I am confident that in the near future Picdar's Media Mogul will more than have paid for itself in terms of resources, reduction in carriage charges, photographic processing and the ability to help us achieve greater press visibility. All of these savings being vital to an organisation that is wholly supported by voluntary donations."

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a registered charity that saves lives at sea. It provides, on call, the 24-hour service necessary to cover search and rescue requirements to 50 miles out from the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. There are 230 lifeboat stations. Lifeboat crews, both men and women are volunteers. There is a full-time mechanic at each all-weather station and, in some cases a full time coxswain. The volunteers receive a few pounds each time they are called out to meet their expenses. There are over 250 women in the lifeboat crews out of 4,500 volunteer crewmembers throughout the country. The RNLI depends entirely on Voluntary contributions and legacies for its income.

Picdar, Sandridge Park, Porters Wood, St Albans, Herts. AL3 6PH. Tel: 01727 847 488; fax: 01727 840649; www.picdar.com

RNLI. www.rnli.org.uk

IM@T Online February 2003