Hello everyone,

I am interested to learn how other TMS users are handling the cataloging of time-based media art (video, audio recordings, digital files, etc.) in their TMS databases. The Seattle Art Museum has a very small collection such works, and a wide variety of methods for cataloging them. I am working on trying to standardize the object record information in TMS for SAM's collection of time-based media works, and cataloging seems to be the first challenge to take on.

Some works are installation pieces with video and/or audio accompanying physical constructions. In such cases two most common approaches to cataloging are: 1) have one accession number represent the entire installation, and then use the Accessory feature in the Components record to account, for example, extra video or audio tapes or a special player by giving pieces identified as accessories the suffix "ACC" to the accession number and adding a number to the end of that if there are multiple accessories. 2) Add a unique letter from A-Z to the end of the accession number for each piece of such installation works.

It appears to me that this suggests some confusion (very possibly on my part) about what constitutes a component for a work of art and what constitutes an accessory within TMS.

So, if this makes some sense to you, I am interested to learn how other TMS users have catalogued time-based media objects as stand-alone works and as parts of installation works. The two critical pieces of information I am interested in keeping in mind is how to efficiently track the movement of multiple pieces associated with one work of time-based art, and its identity in the TMS database as well as on the public web site via eMuseum.

Thanks for your input,

Scott Nacke
Assistant Registrar/Database Administrator
Seattle Art Museum
100 University Street
Seattle, Washington 98101
206.654.3130 Direct
206.654.3135 Fax
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