Conversations Conversations with with

Cataloguers Cataloguers Cataloguers Cataloguers in Walesin Wales

Tuesday 6th MarchTuesday 6th MarchTrevithick Seminar Room 1, Trevithick Seminar Room 1,

Cardiff UniversityCardiff University10am10am--4pm4pm

Cataloguing the art collection Cataloguing the art collection at the Library, Amgueddfa at the Library, Amgueddfa Cymru Cymru -- National Museum National Museum

WalesWalesWalesWalesLouise CareyLouise Carey

Kristine ChapmanKristine Chapman

library@museumwales.ac.uklibrary@museumwales.ac.uk@Amgueddfa_Lib@Amgueddfa_Lib

The seven sites of Amgueddfa The seven sites of Amgueddfa Cymru Cymru –– National Museum WalesNational Museum Wales

nn National Museum CardiffNational Museum Cardiffnn St Fagans: National History MuseumSt Fagans: National History Museumnn National Waterfront MuseumNational Waterfront Museumnn National Roman Legion MuseumNational Roman Legion Museumnn Big Pit: National Coal MuseumBig Pit: National Coal Museumnn Big Pit: National Coal MuseumBig Pit: National Coal Museumnn National Wool MuseumNational Wool Museumnn National Slate MuseumNational Slate Museumand the Collections Centre at Nantgarwand the Collections Centre at Nantgarw

Our collections cover:Our collections cover:

nn ArchaeologyArchaeologynn Industrial and social historyIndustrial and social historynn Natural sciencesNatural sciencesnn Natural sciencesNatural sciencesnn Fine and applied artFine and applied art

Amgueddfa Gelf Genedlaethol Amgueddfa Gelf Genedlaethol Wales’s National Museum of ArtWales’s National Museum of Art

nn Established in July 2011Established in July 2011nn 15 galleries 15 galleries nn Tudor to contemporaryTudor to contemporaryApplied and fine artsApplied and fine artsnn Applied and fine artsApplied and fine arts

The Welsh Landscape GalleryThe Welsh Landscape Gallery

Art in 18Art in 18thth century Britaincentury Britain

Impressionist & Post ImpressionistImpressionist & Post Impressionist

Contemporary ArtContemporary Art

Welsh Pottery & PorcelainWelsh Pottery & Porcelain

Recent art exhibitionsRecent art exhibitions

The Queen: Art and Image John Piper: Mountains of Wales

The library at Amgueddfa CymruThe library at Amgueddfa Cymru

nn First Librarian appointed in 1914First Librarian appointed in 1914nn Moved to purpose built library at top of Moved to purpose built library at top of

Cathays Park building in 1920sCathays Park building in 1920sCathays Park building in 1920sCathays Park building in 1920snn Rapidly outgrew spaceRapidly outgrew spacenn Set up smaller libraries in the curatorial Set up smaller libraries in the curatorial

departmentsdepartments

Still in use today!Still in use today!

Art LibraryArt Library

Contains:Contains:nn Monographs on artists/genresMonographs on artists/genresnn Auction cataloguesAuction cataloguesnn Exhibition cataloguesExhibition cataloguesnn Guides to collectionsGuides to collectionsnn JournalsJournalsnn Art dictionaries/encyclopaediasArt dictionaries/encyclopaedias

Staff moving stock to the art Staff moving stock to the art library’s current locationlibrary’s current location

Typical usersTypical usersnn Museum staff, primarily from the Museum staff, primarily from the departments of art or educationdepartments of art or education

nn University studentsUniversity studentsExternal researchersExternal researchersnn External researchersExternal researchers

nn Museum friends/volunteers/exMuseum friends/volunteers/ex--staff staff membersmembers

However anyone who does not work in the art department accesses the art library via library staff, including members of staff from other departments!

Using the art libraryUsing the art library

nn Unmanned Unmanned –– staff use the library without staff use the library without supervisionsupervision

nn Kept locked at all times, art staff have a Kept locked at all times, art staff have a key to get inkey to get inkey to get inkey to get in

nn NonNon--art department staff need to ask art department staff need to ask main library or art staff to let them inmain library or art staff to let them in

nn Trust system for loans Trust system for loans –– staff fill in loans staff fill in loans slipslip

Example of loan cardExample of loan card

Loan cards in useLoan cards in use

Loan cards in useLoan cards in use

Classification systems usedClassification systems used

nn Dewey Decimal, 18Dewey Decimal, 18thth editioneditionnn Most of our library collectionsMost of our library collections

nn American Museums Association American Museums Association Museum studies collectionMuseum studies collectionnn Museum studies collectionMuseum studies collection

nn Metropolitan Museum of ArtMetropolitan Museum of Artnn Art collectionArt collection

nn CutterCutternn Supplementary to all above systemsSupplementary to all above systems

“What challenges does cataloguing “What challenges does cataloguing in an art museum library present? in an art museum library present? Perhaps the overriding one is the Perhaps the overriding one is the

struggle between national standards struggle between national standards struggle between national standards struggle between national standards and local solutions”and local solutions”

Storr, Daniel A., Storr, Daniel A., Cataloguing in the art museum libraryCataloguing in the art museum library, in , in Art museum libraries and librarianshipArt museum libraries and librarianship, edited by Joan M. , edited by Joan M. Benedetti. 2007Benedetti. 2007

Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) classification systemclassification system

nn Created in early 20Created in early 20thth centurycenturynn First published guidelines in 1911First published guidelines in 1911nn Loosely based on Dewey and CutterLoosely based on Dewey and Cutternn Loosely based on Dewey and CutterLoosely based on Dewey and Cutternn Not widely usedNot widely usednn MMA switched to Library of Congress MMA switched to Library of Congress in 2002in 2002

Reasons for choosing MMAReasons for choosing MMA

nn An appropriate choice at the time (early An appropriate choice at the time (early 2020thth century) century)

nn Dewey 700s do not give enough depthDewey 700s do not give enough depthnn Dewey 700s do not give enough depthDewey 700s do not give enough depthnn Our collections are very specialisedOur collections are very specialisednn Better for cataloguing exhibition Better for cataloguing exhibition

cataloguescatalogues

Reasons for choosing MMAReasons for choosing MMA

nn Fits in well with how the collection is split Fits in well with how the collection is split over many rooms, including staff offices.over many rooms, including staff offices.

nn If we had numerous small runs of If we had numerous small runs of nn If we had numerous small runs of If we had numerous small runs of Dewey, physically scattered over the Art Dewey, physically scattered over the Art department, staff would find it more department, staff would find it more difficult to locate (and return) books.difficult to locate (and return) books.

Advantages of MMAAdvantages of MMA

nn Sufficient scope to add numbers to reflect Sufficient scope to add numbers to reflect individual collectionsindividual collections

nn Can be modified or extended to include Can be modified or extended to include later artistic styleslater artistic stylesRelatively simple, basic formatRelatively simple, basic formatnn Relatively simple, basic formatRelatively simple, basic format

nn Letter prefixes allow library staff to Letter prefixes allow library staff to identify collections which may be housed identify collections which may be housed in office areasin office areas

Disadvantages of MMADisadvantages of MMA

nn Not well known, new staff often unfamiliar with Not well known, new staff often unfamiliar with formatformat

nn Inconsistencies when applying rules, particularly Inconsistencies when applying rules, particularly where there are extensive modificationswhere there are extensive modificationswhere there are extensive modificationswhere there are extensive modifications

nn No updates were published leaving the user withNo updates were published leaving the user withnn Outdated terminologyOutdated terminologynn Outdated geographical dataOutdated geographical data

Main divisionsMain divisionsThese are used with each subdivisionThese are used with each subdivision

For example For example -- 10 is history10 is history10.1 10.1 = ancient history= ancient history10.8 10.8 = Renaissance= Renaissance10.8 10.8 = Renaissance= Renaissance10.92 10.92 = contemporary= contemporary

We prefix the main division number with the We prefix the main division number with the fine art subdivision letterfine art subdivision letter

Fine art subdivisionsFine art subdivisions

A A -- Fine ArtsFine Arts H H -- Book ArtsBook ArtsB B -- ArchitectureArchitecture I I -- PrintsPrintsC C -- SculptureSculpture J J -- PhotographyPhotographyD D -- NumismaticsNumismatics Q Q -- CeramicsCeramicsD D -- NumismaticsNumismatics Q Q -- CeramicsCeramicsE E -- PaintingPainting S S -- Silver/GoldsmithsSilver/GoldsmithsF F -- DrawingDrawing V V -- TextilesTextiles

These are the categories we use most. A copy of the full listing is available for you to see today.

A high percentage of art books have some A high percentage of art books have some sort of national classification so this sort of national classification so this section is frequently appliedsection is frequently applied11 11 –– 19.11 19.11 = National divisions= National divisions

National divisionsNational divisions

nn 11 Italian11 Italiannn 12 Spanish12 Spanishnn 13 German13 Germannn 14 Dutch14 Dutchnn 15 French 15 French

National divisionsNational divisionsnn 16 16 -- BritishBritish

nn 16.4 16.4 WelshWelshnn 16.3 16.3 IrishIrishnn 16.6 16.6 Canadian Canadian

nn 19 = ‘other’ in to which we have had to fit all 19 = ‘other’ in to which we have had to fit all of Asia and the Middle Eastof Asia and the Middle East

This category has caused the most problems This category has caused the most problems because of historical changes since the MMA because of historical changes since the MMA schedule was published.schedule was published.

Combining MMA with CutterCombining MMA with Cutter

nn Charles A. Cutter’s alphabetical filing Charles A. Cutter’s alphabetical filing system was published in 1913system was published in 1913

nn Using a Cutter number allows us to file Using a Cutter number allows us to file first using Dewey or MMA classificationfirst using Dewey or MMA classificationfirst using Dewey or MMA classificationfirst using Dewey or MMA classification

nn We can then order alphabetically using the We can then order alphabetically using the first letter of author’s last namefirst letter of author’s last namee.g. e.g. 750/L84750/L84

Cutter author tableCutter author table

We only use the first We only use the first two numbers from two numbers from the Cutter table. e.g. the Cutter table. e.g. the Cutter table. e.g. the Cutter table. e.g.

LondonLondon we use we use L84L84MortimerMortimer we use we use M84M84

ExampleExample

A general book on Renaissance painting A general book on Renaissance painting would be E10.8would be E10.8

EE paintingpainting10.810.8 RenaissanceRenaissance

ExampleExampleIf this book was a catalogue of an exhibition If this book was a catalogue of an exhibition of Renaissance paintings held at the of Renaissance paintings held at the National Gallery in London we would have National Gallery in London we would have classified as belowclassified as below

EE446 L84/N216 L84/N21EE446 L84/N216 L84/N21

40 is a local division for exhibitions40 is a local division for exhibitionsThis has become 46 This has become 46 –– by using the 6 from by using the 6 from 16 which is the British number 16 which is the British number

ExampleExampleIf this book was a catalogue of an exhibition If this book was a catalogue of an exhibition of Renaissance paintings of Renaissance paintings from the National from the National Gallery’s own collection Gallery’s own collection we would have we would have classified as belowclassified as below

EE666 L84/N216 L84/N21EE666 L84/N216 L84/N21

60 is a local division for museum collections 60 is a local division for museum collections and we use 16 for a British institution, as and we use 16 for a British institution, as beforebefore

MonographsMonographs

nn If a book focuses on just one artist it will be If a book focuses on just one artist it will be shelved in the alphabetical sequence using their shelved in the alphabetical sequence using their name (e.g. Monet under ‘M’).name (e.g. Monet under ‘M’).

nn If more than one artist is covered (e.g. Monet, If more than one artist is covered (e.g. Monet, Pissarro and Sisley) the most common approach Pissarro and Sisley) the most common approach Pissarro and Sisley) the most common approach Pissarro and Sisley) the most common approach is to classify/shelve under the first artist listed. is to classify/shelve under the first artist listed.

nn Multiple artists or schools of art (e.g. French Multiple artists or schools of art (e.g. French Impressionists, Futurists) may be classified Impressionists, Futurists) may be classified either by country or artistic style or, if it either by country or artistic style or, if it accompanies an exhibition, as an exhibition accompanies an exhibition, as an exhibition catalogue.catalogue.

MonographsMonographs

nn Although we label books with full classification Although we label books with full classification details they are not shelved by these at present. details they are not shelved by these at present. So, the Monet shelf contains all monographs on So, the Monet shelf contains all monographs on the artist but in no particular order.the artist but in no particular order.

nn This is partly due to roller rack shelving; we are This is partly due to roller rack shelving; we are trying to accommodate many nontrying to accommodate many non--standard sized standard sized art books. If we split the monograph collection art books. If we split the monograph collection into correct classification order it would take up into correct classification order it would take up more space.more space.

Monet monographsMonet monographs

AdvantagesAdvantages

nn All material relating to a particular artist is All material relating to a particular artist is housed in the same placehoused in the same place

nn Encourages shelf browsing and serendipityEncourages shelf browsing and serendipitynn Encourages shelf browsing and serendipityEncourages shelf browsing and serendipity

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesnn If there is no dominant artist, it may not If there is no dominant artist, it may not be obvious where the book is locatedbe obvious where the book is located

nn Often several possible locations for a book Often several possible locations for a book (artist, historical or gallery shelves), (artist, historical or gallery shelves), especially problematic when a reference is especially problematic when a reference is especially problematic when a reference is especially problematic when a reference is vaguevague

nn Encourages lazy shelving of returned loans Encourages lazy shelving of returned loans by nonby non--library stafflibrary staff

General view of a monograph bayGeneral view of a monograph bay

Exhibition CataloguesExhibition Catalogues

Exhibition catalogues are recognised as an Exhibition catalogues are recognised as an important resource in museums and important resource in museums and galleries and have been the focus of galleries and have been the focus of cataloguing debate for many years cataloguing debate for many years cataloguing debate for many years cataloguing debate for many years

Exhibition CataloguesExhibition CataloguesTheThe ARLIS (Art Libraries Society)/UK & ARLIS (Art Libraries Society)/UK & Ireland Cataloguing and Classification Ireland Cataloguing and Classification Committee prepared unpublished Committee prepared unpublished guidelines in the 1980s. guidelines in the 1980s.

Based on these guidelines the following title Based on these guidelines the following title was published, by them, in 2000was published, by them, in 2000Art exhibition documentation in Art exhibition documentation in libraries: cataloguing guidelineslibraries: cataloguing guidelines

Exhibition CataloguesExhibition CataloguesThere are three elements to a classification There are three elements to a classification

number for exhibition cataloguesnumber for exhibition cataloguesnn Medium (e.g. paintings, sculpture)Medium (e.g. paintings, sculpture)nn Location (e.g. London, Cardiff)Location (e.g. London, Cardiff)nn GalleryGallery (e.g. Tate, Amgueddfa Cymru)(e.g. Tate, Amgueddfa Cymru)

We shelve by location and gallery soWe shelve by location and gallery soCardiff. Albany Gallery Cardiff. Albany Gallery comes beforecomes beforeCardiff. FfotogalleryCardiff. Ffotogallery

AdvantagesAdvantages

nn Can browse all exhibition catalogues held Can browse all exhibition catalogues held for a particular venuefor a particular venue

nn Lending exhibition catalogues are kept Lending exhibition catalogues are kept nn Lending exhibition catalogues are kept Lending exhibition catalogues are kept with catalogues of the permanent with catalogues of the permanent collectionscollections

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesnn The nationals in particular run to many shelves The nationals in particular run to many shelves

of books and, although vaguely in of books and, although vaguely in chronological order, things can be hard to findchronological order, things can be hard to find

nn Most exhibitions are multiMost exhibitions are multi--venue so it’s not venue so it’s not always obvious where it will bealways obvious where it will bealways obvious where it will bealways obvious where it will be

nn Stock checking is impossibleStock checking is impossiblenn Departmental staff forget where they Departmental staff forget where they

borrowed a book from and ‘return’ it to borrowed a book from and ‘return’ it to another shelf, leaving the loan card in place. At another shelf, leaving the loan card in place. At this point the book is potentially missingthis point the book is potentially missing

Example of classification markExample of classification mark

Explanation of this classification markExplanation of this classification mark

nn The book is an exhibition catalogue The book is an exhibition catalogue containing works of Gwen John (painter) containing works of Gwen John (painter) and Lucie Rie (ceramic artist).and Lucie Rie (ceramic artist).

nn We have 3 copies which are all shelved in We have 3 copies which are all shelved in different locations. different locations. different locations. different locations.

nn The different classification marks enable The different classification marks enable us to identify which copy is shelved in the us to identify which copy is shelved in the ceramics collection and which is on the ceramics collection and which is on the Gwen John monographs shelf.Gwen John monographs shelf.

Breakdown of this classification markBreakdown of this classification mark

Copy oneCopy oneQ13.2 Q13.2 Q Q ceramicsceramics13.2 13.2 Austria (Lucie Rie is Austrian born)Austria (Lucie Rie is Austrian born)R44R44R44R44Cutter number for RieCutter number for RieL84L84Cutter number London (exhibition was in London)Cutter number London (exhibition was in London)

Breakdown of this classification markBreakdown of this classification mark

Copies two & threeCopies two & threeE16E16EE paintingpainting1616 Britain (Gwen John is British born)Britain (Gwen John is British born)J61J61J61J61Cutter number for JohnCutter number for JohnL84L84Cutter number London (exhibition was in London)Cutter number London (exhibition was in London)

Why do we still use the MMA?Why do we still use the MMA?nn We would benefit from reorganising the We would benefit from reorganising the art library collection, however, there are art library collection, however, there are three key reasons why we still use the three key reasons why we still use the MMA MMA Limited staff resources to reorganiseLimited staff resources to reorganisenn Limited staff resources to reorganiseLimited staff resources to reorganise

nn Art library is full Art library is full –– any reany re--cataloguing could be cataloguing could be restricted/compromised by lack of spacerestricted/compromised by lack of space

nn It works reasonably well It works reasonably well

Cutter author tableCutter author table

Amgueddfa Cymru Amgueddfa Cymru –– National Museum WalesNational Museum Waleslibrary@museumwales.ac.uklibrary@museumwales.ac.uk