O'Connor (library and information services, University of North Texas) and Greisdorf concern themselves with how human beings, from Paleolithic times to the present have arranged collections of images. This study is not confined to museums, although they are mentioned, but all sorts of collections, from cave paintings to family albums, to magnets on a refrigerator. The authors cover a multitude of aspects from perception and emotional reaction to image collections to the explosion of collections created by digital cameras and cell phones. Rather than reprinting expensive color photos that would give only a partial representation, they suggest that the reader consult a website database for more examples. After reading this, I intend to rearrange my fridge magnets at once. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
An interdisciplinary approach to the principles, practices and belief systems underlying categorization and image management.
Human beings have always had a penchant for collecting images. The challenge today is that almost anything and everything in the world is available as a viewable image. Consequently, say O'Connor and Greisdorf, image collections can no longer be the result of ad hoc processes rooted in antiquated methodologies. To this end, they present the reader with an interdisciplinary approach to the principles, practices and belief systems underlying categorization and image management. The book is divided into three parts: defining the nature of images; describing how images are used; and explaining how and why images are collected (including the mechanics of storage and accessibility). Individual chapters contain a historical perspective on the subject matter and supporting research. Liberally enhanced with illustrations from the authors' own collections. For anyone who cognitively engages with image collections either vocationally or avocationally.
