Cataloging
The VRC staff catalog image records according to standards and guidelines recommended by the Visual Resources Association. This includes adherence to VRA Core 4.0 and Cultural Cataloging Objects (CCO), as well as the use of established vocabularies and authorities from the Getty Research Institute and the Library of Congress. The VRC is a member of the IRIS (Image Resource Information System) Collaborative and catalogs in the IRIS 2008 relational database using the FileMaker Pro software application.
Related Links:
- Visual Resource Association (http://www.vraweb.org/)
- VRA Core 4.0 (http://www.vraweb.org/projects/vracore4/index.html)
- Cataloging Cultural Objects (http://cco.vrafoundation.org/)
- Getty Research Institute Vocabularies (http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabularies/index.html)
- Library of Congress Authorities (http://authorities.loc.gov/)
- IRIS (https://sites.google.com/site/fmpirisdatabase/)
Imaging
The VRC imaging staff employ professional capture and digital imaging techniques to achieve high quality in images presented for history of art classes, publications, and outreach materials. Collection images are captured at a high resolution using industry color and tonal standards as guidelines. All work is conducted on calibrated monitors in a regulated work environment. Final results are the product of the quality of source material and post-processing employing professional imaging practices. Input methods include copy photography of books, periodicals and primary resource material, flatbed scanning of 2-dimensional reflective material, and film scanning of 35mm slides as well as transparencies and film up to 8 x 10”. The imaging staff also handle the ingest, processing and file management for all vendor images purchased through the VRC.
Related Links:
- Imaging Specs (http://lsa.umich.edu/UMICH/histartvrc/Home/About%20Us/Professional%20Practice/UM_HART_ImagingSpecs_rev2012-1.pdf)
- NAPP / National Association of Photoshop Professionals (http://www.photoshopuser.com/)
- Equipment
- Computers & Monitors
- Mac Pro (http://www.apple.com/macpro/)
- Eizo ColorEdge 223W (http://www.eizo.com/global/products/coloredge/cg223w)
- Cameras & Scanners
- Nikon D200 – copy photography (http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25235/D200.html)
- Nikon D700 – event and low-light photography (http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25444/D700.html)
- Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 – 35mm film scanning http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Film-Scanners/9238/Super-COOLSCAN-5000-ED.html)
- Epson Perfection V700 Photo Scanner- 2D reflective scanning & film scanning up to 8” x 10” (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=B11B178011)
- Epson Perfection V4490 Photo Scanner- 2D reflective scanning & film scanning up to 5” x 7” (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=B11B176011)
- Color Calibration
- Digital Color Checker SG(http://www.xrite.com/product_overview.aspx?ID=938)
- 18% Gray Balance (http://www.xrite.com/product_overview.aspx?ID=943)
- Eye One Display
http://www.xrite.com/product_overview.aspx?ID=788
- Computers & Monitors
Archival Practices
The VRC houses many valuable original archival collections. The VRC staff employs trained archivists and utilizes graduate students in Archival Administration to preserve and create access to this unique content.
Related Professional Links:
Society of American Archivists: (http://www2.archivists.org/)
Proper Handling Procedures: http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/4Storage_and_Handling/01StorageMethods.php
