Easy Listening: Spoken Document Retrieval in CHoral

Given the enormous backlog at audiovisual archives and the generally global level of item description, collection disclosure and item access are both at risk. At the same time, archival practice is seeking to evolve from the analogue to the digital world. CHoral investigates the role automatic annotation and search technology can play in improving disclosure and access of digitized spoken word collections during and after this transfer. The core business of the CHoral project is to design and build technology for spoken document retrieval for heritage collections. In this paper, we will argue that in addition to solving technological issues, closer attention is needed for the work-flow and daily practice at audiovisual archives on the one hand, and the state-of-the-art in technology on the other. Analysis of the interplay is needed to ensure that new developments are mutually beneficial and that continuing cooperation can indeed bring envisioned advancements.