Multimedia is used and generated as a part of research across all domains. Multimedia can function as an information and a data source. The management of multimedia, as research material, needs to be shaped by the intent for use and the research methods being applied to the material. For example, it is possible to read or mine a text or an image and be informed by both processes of investigation. So the critical questions for data managers is: what does the researcher need and want to do with this type of research material. How are support services and systems designed and provided to enable that.