I’m intrigued by parent-child relationships in collection management systems.  In many ways more context is needed in terms of what sort of child is this?

 

I’m just going to throw out some anecdotal experiences to see if they strike any chords:

 

1.       A Set, e.g. a Tea Service

a.       Parent = Virtual Record acknowledging the entire set

                                                               i.      Object Number: 2015.37

b.      Child = individual, physical records for each component of the set

                                                               i.      Object Number: 2015.37.1-2015.37.105

c.       Relationship established from Parent Virtual Record = Child, Part of a Set

d.      This also applies to a suit of armor as each component could possibly be displayed individually than as a completed suit.

2.       Bound Portfolio

a.       Parent = Physical, tangible object record

                                                               i.      Object Number: 2014.365

b.      Child = Intellectual children of the art objects within the bound volume that cannot be separated

                                                               i.      Object Number: 2014.365.1-2014.365.22

3.       Woodblocks and Prints

a.       Parent = Woodblock

                                                               i.      Object Number: 1925.37

b.      Child = Print

                                                               i.      Object Number: 1943.55

 

Associated components with one object are treated differently and do not receive separate records, but rather component records.  That way we have one record for the object, and all associated components pertaining to that object.

1.       Jade Figure, associated based is a component

a.       Object Number: 1972.35

b.      Object Number broken down in Component: 1972.35.1, 1972.35.2

2.       Teapot, cover of tea pot is a component

a.       Object number, same as above

3.       Vessel, associated shared are components (merge components after treatment is complete)

4.       Portfolio with a dust case/sleeve (sleeve is the component)

 

So these are my initial thoughts out loud when thinking about cataloguing objects and associated components and showing their relationship.  I hope this stream of consciousness helps to answer some questions, or at least spur the dialogue forward?

 

 

 

Is there a way to link objects in Child Records? It would be better if it was a hard link to the Parent if that is possible?

 

We’re discussing this as well.

 

Erin McDonald - Manager, Art Collections

Arts Branch, Alberta Culture & Tourism

10708 – 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB  T5H 0A1

P: 780-415-0815  C: 780-868-8885 

www.affta.ab.ca

 

 

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chad Petrovay
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2016 9:19 AM
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Subject: Asking a child what their parent's accession number is...

 

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