File Compression and Decompression Case Study: MrSid

Copyright©10/2000 by Quinn Stewart

What does file compression and decompression have to do with library and information science? Plenty! Practically without exception, digital library initiatives world-wide are based upon some type of file compression, for the dual purpose of reducing file size for storage, and network transmission. As network capacities increase and the cost of electronic storage of digital materials falls, one might think that the need for file compression would be reduced. On the contrary, the demand for image, audio, and video content has led to an expanding reportoire of file compression methods.

Libraries, museums and archives are often the repositories for information-rich materials. With the use of proper file compression, many of these materials can now be made accessible over the Internet. The virtual flood of audio and video content joining the billions of text pages on the Web today are all possible because of file compression and decompression methods.

This section will examine an interesting format for image compression called MrSid. There are several objectives to this section, including, but not limited to:

1. Expose you to a proprietary, but free for non-profit use image compression program.
2. Provide experience with downloading and installing the necessary decompression components.
3. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of this compression program.
4. Evaluate potential uses and implementation of this technology.

Let's get started!