Seen and heard: duality at the access points to television databases

Purpose – To show how the double nature of audiovisual material, that it is viewed and referenced, is reflected at the access points of a documentary database. Design/methodology/approach – To achieve this aim a journey through the indexation elements – supported by explanatory examples – is undertaken, so as to identify and analyze onomastic, thematic, geographical and chronological aspects. Findings – The findings reveal the need to identify in indexation the elements viewed in the image track and referenced in the sound track; such a need is supported by user/journalist requests, so that the documentation service is adapted to such information needs. Research limitations – The management method displayed is only valid for medium and large television companies. This derives from the complexity and cost of human resources and time dedicated. Practical implications – The practical value lies in the fact that the best proven structure for indexation of TV audiovisual documents is shown, with this being a useful and agile guide for the implantation of information services. Originality/value – There are few studies that develop the documentation management of audiovisual documents, of those that count on valid work that stems from the study of indexation in television.