CMC Digitisation Project call for tenders

Thu 4 Nov 2010

The Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland invites tenders from web database developers to build a new database management system, and digital repository for its specialised collections and information resources.

The work will be carried out as part of the Centre’s music digitisation project, which is funded by the Arts Council, An Foras Feasa, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This project, now in its second year, will see a sizable part of CMC’s collections scanned and digitised with a view to making this music available online to performers, promoters and researchers, subject to copyright holders’ permission.

Project Actions

Development of a new database and digital repository and migration of CMC’s data and digital assets to this system

CMC’s current database is built in Filemaker Pro and comprises of some 40 relational tables which store information on the Centre’s various collections (a model of CMC’s current database structure is available from CMC’s web site). Digitised materials are stored on a local directory and are named according to a strict naming convention taken from a unique identifier in the database.

The successful candidate will undertake the following:

  • Complete a full appraisal with CMC of the Centre’s current database system and develop a detailed proposal for a new database and digital archive along with a migration plan to move the existing data into the new system.
  • Build a system which will handle a range of digital content which CMC produces. This content will include scanned scores, audio and video files, photographs, web pages and web-based multimedia content.
  • Migrate the data to the new database and undertake detailed testing and evaluation

Technical requirements

The system should make use of open source tools so that it is possible to easily modify and develop the system in the future.
The system will need to allow for easy and efficient cataloguing/management of metadata on CMC’s collections. These include scores, recordings, programme notes, articles and composer information.
The system must be designed and built in such a way that it will integrate with CMC’s web site and extend the site’s current functionality.

Integration to CMC’s website

The developer will work with CMC’s web designer to undertake the necessary programming to enable the new database to power CMC’s web site. The site currently runs in Cold Fusion, however, subject to funding received it will be rebuilt during 2011 to accommodate a more modern web content management system.

The following will need to be undertaken by the developer as part of this stage of the project:

  • Selection and implementation of server applications to manage and manipulate digital files for the web.

These include automatic creation of watermarked sample PDF files from the digitised masters, generation of mp4 audio samples from digitised audio, and automatic uploading from CMC’s local network to its web server.

  • Enable the digital and audio sample files to be displayed alongside the associated database records.

Sample PDF versions of the files will be made available alongside any associated audio on the web site.

  • Paid download access for selected digital files.

Initially the ability to purchase PDF versions of the scores for download will be added, with the option for audio downloads added during the next phase of the project.

  • Ability to browse selected full scores and audio files.

Based on individual permissions received from copyright holders, a selection of the digital objects will be made available on a subscriber-only basis. These subscribers will be able to browse the materials on screen. This solution will include the following features:

      • Subscriber-only system with authenticated log-ins
      • Ability to add annotations and mark up documents
      • Direct URL linking/sharing
      • Ability to purchase files for download from CMC’s shop

Project Timeframe

The project must be completed by May 2011 and will be carried out in the following stages:

  • January 2011: Technical proposal and timetable to be submitted by the developer and agreed by CMC
  • February - April 2011: Database development
  • February - April 2011: Web site integration and design
  • April - May 2011: testing
  • June 2011: launch

Deadline and application process

The deadline for applications is Monday, 5pm, 29 November 2010.
Proposals should include the following:

  • an outline of how you intend to carry out the work
  • details of the solutions you would consider using to achieve the project actions
  • a detailed budget
  • CV or company information which includes details of your prior work
  • names of two referees

All applications must be submitted by email to info@cmc.ie. For additional information on the project, please contact Jonathan Grimes, General Manager, jgrimes@cmc.ie, +353 1 6731922.

About the Contemporary Music Centre

The Contemporary Music Centre is Ireland’s national archive and resource centre for new music, supporting the work of composers throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland.
The Centre is used, nationally and internationally, by performers, composers, promoters and members of the public interested in finding out more about music in Ireland. Its library and sound archive, open to the public free of charge, contain the only comprehensive collection in existence of music by Irish composers.
The Centres web site, www.cmc.ie, has extensive information on Irish composers and their music. As one of the first ever arts web sites, cmc.ie makes full use of audio and video content through regular features on new Irish music, as well as providing access to the Centre’s library catalogues and composer database.

Further information

Download a pdf version of the call for tenders document.