Model of Description and Task of Analysis - Audiovisual Archives - page 55

The simplest models, which are closest to the standard forms of description/
indexation, are those which only have sequences for referential analysis and/or
analysis of the space-time context. Other forms, however, possess a very elaborate
structure, exploiting to the full the richness of the semiotic approach to the analysis
of audiovisual corpora.
Thus, we can see that the canonic structure in Figure 4.2 remains crucial for the
definition of a model of description and for its development in the guise of an
interactive working form.
4.4. Types of analysis, analytical tasks, procedures of description and activities
ofdescription
As we have already mentioned, we can see that in general (see Chapter 1 as well
as [STO 11a and STO 11b]) the analysis of audiovisual corpora which, for instance,
make up the collection of an archive, constitutes one of the important activities - in
the workflow - which characterizes the working process* of compiling,
broadcasting and preserving cultural or scientific heritage.
The analysis itself may take the form of a “simple” indexation of an audiovisual
corpus; it may also take the shape of a genuine expert assessment (in relation to
archive sciences, the reference here is to the diplomatic study of documents), or
manifest itself in the form of an action of such-and-such an interpretative school or
approach. In other words, it may be carried out in pursuit of very different objectives
and by actors (analysts) with very varied skill sets.
Going back to our discussion in section 2.3 about the different types of analysis
developed and practiced as part of our research on audiovisual archives, Figure 4.3
now offers an overall and structured vision of this crucial activity. We shall refer to
this figure throughout the topic.
The work of analysis may, as Figure 4.3 shows, be comprehended according to 4
main levels. The most general level is that which defines the type of analysis . The
definition of the type of analysis influences the selection of the appropriate tasks of
analysis (2 nd level in Figure 4.3); a task of analysis, in turn, is made up of one or
more procedures of analysis (3 rd level in Figure 4.3); and finally, a procedure of
analysis is itself made up of one or more activities of analysis (4 th level in
Figure 4.3).