Document Type

Article

Department (Manual Entry)

James P. Adams Library

Abstract

This article discussed the problem of giving subject acess to works of art. We survey both concept-based and content-based access by computers and by index/catalogers respectively, as well as issues of interoperability, database and indexer consistency and cataloging standards. The authors, both of whom are trained art historians, question attempts to mystify fine art subject matter by the creation of clever library science systems that are executed by the naive. Only when trained art historians and knowledgeable catalogers are finally responsible for providing subject access to works of art, will true interoperability and consistency happen.