[MCN-L] Summary of responses: Query regarding use of librarians in cataloging fine collection objects
Dear listserv members, Thanks to those of you who replied to my query in April regarding the involvement of librarians in cataloging fine art collection objects. My apologies for the delay in summarizing the responses. The largest amount of responses came from librarians who were interested in contributing to object/art cataloging at their institutions, but did not yet have ongoing projects. One UK institution reported that, when the art collection was part of the library, it was cataloged using MARC (respondent didn't indicate background of catalogers, but I assume librarians). (When the art collection moved out of the library to Collections Department, objects re-cataloged using in-house system.) One European institution reported that they have a Collections Information department, the staff of which has either information science/library degrees or art degrees (several staff members have both). Specifically, the two catalogers hold art degrees; and five information specialists who do cataloguing, documentation and information service have information science/library degrees. One Canadian respondent had cataloged three-dimensional objects in a (non-art) museum as an intern during library school. One Registrar of a U.S. art museum, whose responsibilities include object cataloging, has an undergrad degree in art history and an MLIS. To add our own experience: at the Albright-Knox, two art catalogers enhance object records created by the Registrars department, using information provided by our curators, the registrars, internal documentation, and trusted sources such as exhibition catalogues and catalogue raisonn?s. We are using CDWA/CCO, and the Getty vocabularies for our controlled vocabs. One cataloger has an B.A. and M.A in English, and an MLIS. The other has a B.A. in art history and an MLIS. We report to the Head of Research Resources, who is the head of the museum's library and archives. We would like to keep the discussion of the role of librarians in art/object cataloging alive, particularly for those who are embarking on similar projects at their institutions. If you are interested in sharing concerns/ideas via email, please let me know and we can start an informal email discussion group. We are also happy to answer any questions about what we are doing at the Albright-Knox off-list, if you prefer. Thanks to all for your responses. Sincerely, Gabriela Zoller Gabriela Zoller Art Cataloger, IMLS Museums for America Grant Albright-Knox Art Gallery 1285 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, New York 14222 716.270.8277 (ph) gzoller at albrightknox.org Albright-Knox Art Gallery Celebrating 150 Years 1862 - 2012
[MCN-L] Query regarding use of librarians in cataloging fine art collection objects
Dear colleagues: We at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery are interested in learning how many art museums are using librarians to catalog fine art collection objects. If you are a librarian that catalogs collection objects, would you mind sharing with me (at gzoller at albrightknox.org) the following: -your name and/or title -if you hold an MLS/MLIS, or are a librarian by experience -where you fit in to your institution's organizational schema This email has been posted to the MIMSY UK user group, MCN and TMS listservs, so please forgive any duplication. Many thanks! Sincerely, Gabriela Zoller Gabriela Zoller Art Cataloger, IMLS Museums for America Grant Albright-Knox Art Gallery 1285 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, New York 14222 716.270.8277 (ph) gzoller at albrightknox.org Albright-Knox Art Gallery Celebrating 150 Years 1862 - 2012
[MCN-L] Anyone using MIMSY for acquisitions?
Hi, We are wondering if anyone on MCN that uses MIMSY XG is using the Acquisitions module for tracking, well, acquisitions, particularly information about acquisitions meetings? If so, can you reply to me off-list? Thank you! Gabriela gzoller at albrightknox.org Gabriela Zoller Technical Services Librarian G. Robert Strauss, Jr. Memorial Library Albright-Knox Art Gallery 1285 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo NY 14222 gzoller at albrightknox.org 716.270.8277 PLEASE NOTE OUR SUMMER GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm; closed Mondays and Independence Day
[MCN-L] Database access for curators?
Checking the corrections of the curatorial staff might refer to making sure that the information they enter is properly formatted / uses controlled vocabulary terms, etc. -- not checking the veracity of the information itself, but making sure it is formatted consistently with database standards. -Original Message- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu]On Behalf Of Robert Mason Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 3:35 PM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Database access for curators? I'd be interested to know what approval is needed by db staff to check the corrections of the curatorial staff. It is the curatorial staff that are experts on the collection, not necessarily the db staff. M. _ Dr. Robert B. J. Mason (E-mail: robert.mason at rom.on.ca; fax (416) 586-5877) Dept of World Cultures, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C6, CANADA Associate Professor, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, University of Toronto, 4 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1C1, CANADA web: http://www.utoronto.ca/nmc/mason/mason.html Perian Sully perian at emphatic.org 6/23/2010 1:35 PM Hi Maggie: I don't know if Mimsy has workflow capabilities, but some systems allow you to be notified of changes or let you see/approve the changes before they become live. Barring that, I've also instructed my curators to place the original information into a notes field before they delete it entirely (but I also have backups to refer to, in a worst case scenario). ~Perian ___ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l The MCN-L archives can be found at: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/pipermail/mcn-l/ ___ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l The MCN-L archives can be found at: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/pipermail/mcn-l/
