I have sent the following message to both the VRA and CAAH lists and thought that some of you might be interested in this message also. ------ - Forwarded Message Follows - - - - - - - The lastest issue of the journal Computers and the History of Art has just been published. It will be, hopefully, of great interest to all visual resource professionals and is titled, "Image Databases in North America" and includes articles by many of our colleagues. The Journal is published by Harwood Academic Publishers GmbH in association with the professional organization, Computers and the History of Art. Subscriptions to the journal can be obtained from the publishers: Harwood Academic Publishers P.O. Box 786 Cooper Station New York, NY 10276 or: P.O. Box 90 Reading Berkshire RG1 8JL England VOLUME 4, PART 2 (published 1994) Issue Editor: Marlene E. Gordon, The University of Michigan-Dearborn JOSEPH A. BUSCH, Getty Art History Information Program "How to Choose Among Alternative Technologies for Physical Access to Art Images" Abstract: Managing a photographic archive means not only the acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval of pictures, but also the collection, researching, and recording of contextual information that makes the pictures an accessible, useful resource for researchers. The problem of how to manage collections of images, particularly pictures of works of art, is considered from a records management point of view in order to be able to make sound decisions. The types of information that could be useful in improving access to pictorial collections of works of art are discussed, available technologies for managing both the visual and textual information they contain are described, and some factors that might influence desicions on what mass storage and dissemination medium would be feasible for physical access to a visual archive of images of works of art are enumerated. The factors are then used to create a model in which proposed assumptions can be tested and modified to produce different results. JOY BLOUIN, The University of Michigan "Michigan Image Cataloging System Software Abstract: The Michigan Image Cataloging System, MICS, was developed by visual resouces curators at the University of Michigan in response to their desire to effectively serve the Department of the History of Art's teaching program. However, as the development of the program progressed, the curators realized that the software not only satisfied their unique needs, but had evolved into a very valuable collection management tool for similar collections at other institutions. Therefore, in 1988 the resulting software was copyrighted by the University of Michigan and available for purchase to other institutions through the university's Technology Management Office. Because MICS was developed by curators responsible for the organization of an image collection, its uniqueness lies in its sensitivity and responsiveness to the automation needs of the visual resources community. This sensitivity is reflected both in the software and the documentation written to accompany the program. This paper discusses the history of the development of the MICS software at the University of Michigan, profiles the menu design which allows the user easy access into and through the program, and suggests proposed enhancements designed to help visual resources professinals meet the continually evolving needs of managing image collections. NORINE DUNCAN, BROWN UNIVERSITY "Visual Resource Management System: Software for Cataloging Art Slides" Abstract: VRMS (Visual Resource Management System) is a menu-driven software program for cataloging individual art slides. The databases created are fully relationnal, and all fields are searchable. Labels and reports can be printed, with various format options available. The author, Curator of the Art Slide Library at Brwon University, provides illustrations showing the implementation of VRMS in her collection. The activities of the VRMS Users' Group are described including efforts to work cooperatively to develop standards for implementation so that sharing of catalog records can be facilitated. With comments from the software designer, Ron Reimers, the improvements expected in the 1994 release of Version 3.0 are discussed. ELIZABETH O'DONNELL, Dartmouth College "An Unconventional Slide Collection Database" Abstract: This article describes the development of a database for the Art History Department Slide Collection of Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. Issues which influenced the choice of hardware and software for the project are disscussed. The multi-file design of the database is described in detail. The rationale for entering authority data first, followed by retrospective entry of specific areas of the collection is explained. The author speculates on the future evolution of the database should share cataloging finally become a reality for visual resources collections. MARYLY SNOW, University of California at Berkeley "SPIRO and ImageQuery at the University of California at Berkeley" Abstract: SPIRO (Slide and Photograph Image Retrieval Online) is the Architecture Slide Library's visual online public access catalog at the University of California at Berkeley. SPIRO utilizes ImageQuery, an image-oriented database access system developed at the University of California at Berkeley for access to its numerous image and object collections. This article describes SPRIRO's front-end, ImageQuery, with emphasis on its features and future enhancements. BRENDA MCEACHERN, University of Western Ontario "Automation of the Visual Arts Department Slide Library at the University of Western Ontario" Abstract: In 1989, the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, awarded the Slide Curator a three-year grant to automate the Visual Arts Department Slide Library. With over 86,000 slide records on the database, the Slide Library at Western is one of the largest automated visual resource collections in Canada. The system uses DataEase software on a Novell network. A single data-entry form for slide records makes data entry and retrieval fast and efficient. Shelf cards and labels are produced with DataEase then edited in WordPerfect. Revisions to the manual system divided the Modern Art section, produced new format for owner names, and change B.C. dating methods. Authority files for artist, owners, sources, and subjects verify data entered in the SLIDES FORM. Source files, linked to the University library system, support research by faculty and students. Search programmes make images more accessible and promote inter- disciplinary studies. WILLIAM A. BROOM, Duke University "Duke University's Art-Image Database and Viewing Resource and Issues Addressed During its Development" Abstract: Technical developments in electronic imaging technology already provide valuable new tools for students and scholars of art and art history. Until prepackaged systems which employ standardized technology and meet the needs of many diverse users are commonly available in the marketplace, many institutions wishing to employ this technology must develop their own solution from an emerging wealth of options. Determining which specific technical solutions are appropriate in a specific situation depends upon an analysis of critical criteria. These include mission objectives, availability of appropriate software, technological concerns and emering standards, hardware options, networking, technical support, staffing, image sources, and funding for initial installation, maintenance, upgrading and expansion of services. These issues were addressed by Duke Univeristy during the development of a successful electronic art image study resource. Many issues addressed by Duke during its project development are briefly explained in this article. SCOTT BELL, California State University at Long Beach "Strategies for the Introduction of Image Databases in the Creation of Art History Tutorials at California State University at Long Beach" In an era of shrinking revenues and increased enrollments, the California State University system has turned to networked multimedia databases and collaborative learning strategies as possible components of a new approach to higher education. Members of the Cal. State Long Beach Art Department have developed a model project which relies on a highly trained core of graduate students who work with Art History faculty in the deveolopment of computer based tutorials. The digital images for these tutorials are the building blocks for, what will eventually be, a "Virtual Library" of images tied to data. The author described the strategic approach to building a constituency for the project, and a tactical guide for its implementation. The next issue of Computers and the History of Art, Vol.5, Part 1, will include some of the papers from the December conference and some additional papers. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the journal or the organization, Computers and the History of Art. Marlene Gordon University of Michigan-Dearborn [log in to unmask]