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