We started out with recto/verso works as two records, which was confusing because people were always looking for two works of art. Then, we merged them into single records with two components. However, that was also confusing and unsatisfying as a solution. I finally went through all of our records of this type and made them single objects with a consistent title format of "Title (recto); Title (verso)" all as one title. When we show the objects in a gallery, we enter a note of which side was shown so that we can have a record of light exposure.  When we photograph them, we attach recto and verso images to the record, and the recto image is normally the default primary image.

Curators, prep, and registrars are all happy with this solution.

Suzanne Stephens
Database Administrator
Birmingham Museum of Art

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alexis Lenk
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 11:14 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Recto/Verso Objects

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone can share how they treat recto/verso objects in TMS (e.g. two drawings - one on each side of a single sheet of paper). We have done it a few different ways and are looking to standardize our rules if possible.

Does anyone use: a single record with the information for both drawings crammed in? components? two separate records linked together (or to a third parent r/v record)?

The advantages to having 2 distinct records seems to be better management of the cataloguing data of each drawing, with the ability to attach specific images to that data. The advantages to having a single record seem to be better management of conservation reports, managing locations and loans, etc.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Alexis Lenk
Coordonnatrice, Documentation des collections
Centre Canadian d'Architecture
Montréal, Québec
(514) 939-7000 ext. 1520