Cataloging in museum curation

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Cataloging in Museum Curation

Introduction to Museum Cataloging Systems

Museum cataloging is a critical aspect of museum curation, involving the systematic documentation and management of collections. This process ensures that objects within a museum's collection are accurately recorded, easily accessible, and properly maintained. Various methodologies and systems have been developed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cataloging in museums.

Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging

One of the most extensively used systems for cataloging in North American museums is the Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging. This bilingual (English/French) structured and controlled list of object terms is organized in a classification system that provides a basis for indexing and cataloging collections of human-made objects. It includes illustrations, bibliographic references, and a user guide, making it a comprehensive tool for managing object records in human history collections. First published in 1978, Nomenclature has become a de facto standard in the field, particularly for historical and ethnological collections.

Digital Humanities and Museum Cataloging

The integration of digital humanities (DH) into museum cataloging has brought new methodologies and tools to the forefront. Projects like the "Enlightenment Architectures" have analyzed early modern catalogues, such as those of Sir Hans Sloane, to understand their complex information architecture and intellectual legacies. This interdisciplinary approach combines digital humanities with traditional cataloging, inventory, curatorial, and historical studies, highlighting the challenges and benefits of encoding historical catalogues in digital formats.

Metadata Practices in Museum Cataloging

Metadata practices are essential for creating meaningful systems for cataloging museum collections. Information professionals working within galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) play a crucial role in developing these systems. By embedding metadata and employing digital curation practices, museums can enhance access to their collections and support interdisciplinary research. Surveys and case studies have shown that the skills and knowledge of information professionals are vital for the effective creation and management of metadata in museums .

Transition to Digital Catalogues

The shift from analog to digital catalogues is a significant trend in museum curation. Rising costs and shrinking distributions of traditional print catalogues have prompted institutions like the Getty Foundation to explore frameworks for compiling and publishing catalogues directly online. This transition involves numerous cultural and curatorial implications, including new image licensing considerations and the need for collections management software that supports both authoring and publishing needs. The Getty Foundation's initiative to create both print and online versions of collection catalogues exemplifies this shift from product to service.

Global Reach and Digital Access

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Thomas J. Watson Library has developed a workflow to handle digital exhibition catalogs, addressing challenges related to rights permissions, storage, and access. By utilizing cloud-based storage and incorporating provisions for open access, the library has made these materials available to researchers worldwide. This approach not only enhances the accessibility of contemporary art gallery catalogs but also supports the documentation of emerging and lesser-known artists from around the globe.

Conclusion

Museum cataloging is an evolving field that benefits from both traditional methodologies and modern digital practices. Systems like Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging provide a structured approach to managing collections, while digital humanities and metadata practices offer new ways to enhance access and interdisciplinary research. The transition to digital catalogues and the development of workflows for global access are reshaping the landscape of museum curation, ensuring that collections are well-documented and accessible to a broader audience.