The only problem with using "disk, magnetic" is that CDs and DVDs are
not magnetic media. I wouldn't pick nits that way except that the
storage and handling requirements for magnetic and optical media are
different, and way down the line when the electronic world has once
again changed beyond all recognition, three or four weeks from now, that
inaccuracy in naming might lead to errors in preservation. Actually, I
would pick nits that way because I think it's high time Nomenclature
entered the 21st Century, or at least put in some terms that are general
enough that we aren't forced to shoehorn things into categories where
they just don't fit. Anybody here know the status of the revision
project?
Anne
Anne T. Lane, Collections Manager
Charlotte Museum of History
3500 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte NC 28215
704-568-1774, ext 110
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Waterbury, Cristin
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 11:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DVD nomenclature
Here's a short answer:
We use Chenhall's nomenclature, and have classified dvds as "disk,
magnetic" under data processing T&E. When I enter them in our database,
then, "disk, magnetic" is the object name but under the description I
usually put something like "Digital video recording (DVD) of XXX" and
describe the subject matter.
On the larger issues:
I enjoyed reading Mark Janzen's comments on treating dvds as museum
objects. We actually consider them part of our library collections
here, and agree that the importance of a dvd is the information
contained on it, not the format itself. They are really not that
different from the old 16 mm film strips many museums and archives have
in their collection in terms of the data migration issue. Most of us
cannot show those anymore due to the obsolescence of the projectors, and
reformatting these is essential if we are to use the information they
contain. Eventually we will face the same issue with dvds and will need
to transfer the data to another format. I really feel dvds (and audio
recordings and other similar items) have more in common with library
materials than museum objects - with these it's about the information,
not the object itself. The same is true with library books...well,
except for the need for data migration. But the important part is the
information they contain, not the physical object.
So, to get a little philosophical...if we accession a dvd today and in
ten years need to reformat it to another medium, can this new medium be
given the same accession number that was originally assigned to the dvd?
I think yes, because in my mind I'm assigning an accession number to the
data, or the information contained on the dvd, not to the dvd disk
itself. Of course, in this event I would make notes in the file or the
database or wherever appropriate about the reformatting, why it was
needed, when it was done, by whom, etc. And whether you are assigning a
dvd an accession number or some other generic identification number, I'm
not sure how you would avoid the need to update the documentation after
reformatting. Even public libraries that use call numbers as
identifiers would need to update their catalog if something was
reformatted onto a new medium.
Anyway, I agree that digital media is not permanent data storage, and
that planning for data migration is key.
Kind of interesting, but I'll stop my ramblings now.
Cristin J. Waterbury
Registrar/Collections Manager
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Mark Janzen
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 5:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DVD nomenclature
Treyer,
For my two cents...
Although I note the original format of the disk for the permanent
records,
I personally refer to all of them as simply digital media. "DVD" is a
common usage term referring to the general type of media, much like CD,
floppy disk, or tape. The numerous types, brands, forms, and variations
on
the DVD would be very difficult to categorize effectively, as well as
unnecessary. The actual historical meaning of the acronym is not
critical,
as well as disputed.
This somewhat humorous article "explains" it well.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FXG/is_n2_v11/ai_20179374
In any case, the object(s) is not the disk, but rather the data on the
disk. Unless of course you are actually accessioning the disk as an
object
irrespective of its contents. Eventually you will migrate the data to
new
DVDs and then on to other forms of media all together. Better not to
have
to change the documentation later as a result of the migration, as it
will
likely always be some form of digital media.
I respectfully resubmit that we should all avoid accessioning digital
media
into our collection with the expectation that the data stored thereon is
permanent. There are currently no digital media that can be considered
permanent storage, and ignoring that fact endangers the collection. Our
CMPs should reflect the need to periodically test, migrate, and reassess
such technology issues for the long-term protection of the information.
Good luck.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Treyer Mason Gale
<treyer@SANDIEGOH
ISTORY.ORG>
To
Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask]
discussion list
cc
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
Subject
DVD nomenclature
10/19/2006 04:01
PM
Please respond to
Museum discussion
list
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
Does anyone have the correct nomenclature for DVD? I did some research
and
have found that "digital versatile disc" has replaced "digital video
disc"
but that it may not be official (who makes it official, I have no idea).
Also, if people are going to search our database, I doubt anyone would
think to type in "digital versatile disc" when looking for DVDs, so I
thought maybe I would call it "digital versatile disc (DVD)". How have
other museums dealt with this issue? Thanks for your input.
Treyer Mason-Gale | assistant registrar
ph 619.232.6203 ext 120 | fx 619.232.1059
[log in to unmask]
San Diego Historical Society
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101
www.sandiegohistory.org
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