We use virtual object records to represent the concept of a portfolio
i.e. where a postfolio doesn't physically exist. The 'parent' virtual
object record is then related to its 'children' object records. We do
the same for sketchbooks, even though they physically do exist, so we
can record a sketchbook title and create relationships between objects
(pretty much the same as the orginal thought about books, below).

Jon Thristan
Tate

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda Pulliam [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 07 January 2004 18:06
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Use of Virtual Objects, Object Groups, Object Level and
Components


We create a Virtual Object record to send to our website to represent a
work (such as a tea set) that has many individual parts, each with their
own object record. We do not want to send all the individual records,
particularly if there is only a group image for the set.

Also, we strive to post on our website, as soon after accessioning as
possible, text and images of our new acquisitions. To accommodate this
schedule, we occasionally create a Virtual Object to represent large
groups of similar objects that were acquired at the same time from the
same donor, but are too numerous to catalogue and photograph quickly
enough for early posting. An example of this is a Virtual Object record
with an image that represents a group of 20,000 Japanese Postcards. Once
photographed and catalogued, the postcard records will go to the web and
the Virtual Object record will be removed.

Linda Pulliam
Manager of Collections Information
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

-----Original Message-----
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Susan Garton
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 9:30 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Use of Virtual Objects, Object Groups, Object Level and
Components


I am interested to know if--and how--others are using Virtual Objects.
We are considering using them for objects like books that contain
numerous catalogued works, or for objects that have works on both recto
and verso. This has led to a renewed discussion of the use of
components, object level and objects groups (created by making
object-to-object links.) If anyone has advice on this issue, I would
appreciate it.

Thanks...and Happy 2004 to everyone!

Susan Foster Garton
Data Administrator
Center for Electronic Research and Outreach Services
National Portrait Gallery
Tel:  (202) 275-1842
Fax:  (202) 275-1907
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