We aspire to more detailed medium descriptions in the collections system, but often use a "dumbed-down" version for wall labels. This is determined by editorial and stylistic standards. While many times the back end and front end versions coincide, in some cases I don't see a way around distinguising between the collections data and the public presentation of the same information. Personally I favor more information over less, specific information over generic. But that may be the ex-conservator in me talking.
We have also been cleaning up our old medium descriptions so that the terminology we use is consistent and as much as possible based on AAT. We'll probably be at this well into the next decade at least. Will Real Carnegie Museum of Art -----Original Message----- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Perian Sully Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 11:58 AM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Standards SIG: Medium description for works on paper I have to admit that I'm fairly inconsistent with adding the color info (mostly because I tend to use CDWA standards). It also makes it somewhat difficult when the ink in question is now sepia, but it used to be black ink. which is correct? But for textiles, in particular, I often get really detailed: ex: "gold metallic embroidery and red satin silk appliqu? on green silk velvet". I'm curious about others' answers to this as well. ~P Perian Sully Collections Information Manager Web Programs Strategist The Magnes Berkeley, CA -----Original Message----- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Morgan, Amber Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 7:07 AM To: mcn-l at mcn.edu Subject: [MCN-L] Standards SIG: Medium description for works on paper I was wondering if some of you would be willing to share how you describe works on paper. Specifically, how detailed is the medium information on your wall labels? If you have an ink drawing on paper, would you just say "ink on paper," or would you include the color and specific paper type, such as "red ink on ivory paper?" CCO seems to favor longer, more detailed descriptions for works on paper. CDWA indicates that material color is optional. If you are following these standards, are you indicating color all of the time, or only when it is somehow exceptional or necessary? I did a quick search on a handful of museums' sites and it seemed like color was always being indicated for drawings. Thanks, Amber the warhol: Amber E. Morgan Associate Registrar 117 Sandusky Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 T 412.237.8306 F 412.237.8340 E morgana at warhol.org W www.warhol.org The Andy Warhol Museum One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Email newsletter http://members.carnegiemuseums.org/email Membership http://members.carnegiemuseums.org/SupportCMP _______________________________________________ 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/
