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Cataloging Bookmarks - a Schema

21/2/2021

2 Comments

 
Recently on our members' Facebook page, we have been discussing how to manage bookmarks in a database.  In addition to what software to use, there is the question of how to describe the bookmarks, i.e., cataloging them.  I developed a basic system twenty years ago when I began using software for my collection.  I present it here as a starting point.  There is no right or wrong way to do it, although there are probably 5-7 elements that most of us could agree upon.  As this discussion progresses, we may create a new page on the IFOB web site for information on managing a collection. 
  • Creator/Author:  This could be the person or organization that created the bookmark, or the author of the book that the bookmark advertises.
  • Title: Writing on the bookmark that seems to be the main emphasis, or the title of a book being advertised.
  • Publisher: Company that produces the bookmark or could be the sponsoring organization that publishes it.  
  • Place of Publication: The city, state, country, if known. If any of these elements are inferred, enclose in brackets.
  • Date Published:  Often the date is unknown but can be estimated. 
  • Date Acquired:  This date is of interest to the collector and can be specific to day/month/year or at least the year.
  • Source Acquired: Another element of interest to the collector and can be as specific as desired. 
  • Price:  This can record a price or whether it is free or a gift. 
  • Series: An optional element that is sometimes of interest to record a series name and number or other designation. 
  • Description: Even if an image is available, it can be useful to add a description for searching.  Elements such as illustrations, type of page flap, shape, etc. are of interest.
  • Size: This information can be recorded in description, but if made a separate element, it can be used to analyze the characteristics of the collection. 
  • Notes: Other information not related to the physical description can go in the notes including any interesting text, information about the producer, or even notes about the collector's use of the bookmark in displays, articles, etc.
  • Category:  If the collector assigns subject terms, keywords, or other category notes, they should be in a separate field. They may include the type of material or other physical characteristics in addition to the subject matter.
  • Accession number/ID:  It is often useful to have a unique number that can be sequential or use any other scheme to identify the item. 
Along with the field definitions, I have also created a set of "cataloging rules" that help me apply the elements in a consistent way.  These rules may not be useful for others, however, since the purpose and design of a collector's database will vary.
Any comments on this scheme, which elements are most important, other elements to consider, etc. are most welcome!
2 Comments
David Crowe link
1/8/2021 23:28:30

Hello,
Thank you for your detailed basic system for cataloging your bookmarks.
I am eager to begin cataloging my collection of approx 1,100 items.
I am most interested to learn of your software and your cataloging rules

Reply
David Crowe
15/10/2021 21:10:15

The Schema you provided is most helpful.
I would be grateful to know what software you could recommend.
My collection has approximately 1,100 items and so several of your schema are very helpful.
Regards,
David

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  • Home
    • News from 2019
  • About
    • Member News
    • Contact
    • Site Map
  • Blog
  • Bookmark Swap
    • Raffle
  • WOBODA
    • WOBODA 2022
    • WOBODA 2021 >
      • WOBODA 2020
      • WOBODA 2019 >
        • WOBODA 2018
        • WOBODA 2017
        • Wobo on World Tour 2016
  • Gallery
    • Gallery Page 3 - New Year's
    • Gallery Page 4 - Bookmarks on Bookmarks
    • Gallery Page 5 - Care of Books
    • Gallery Page 6 - Owls
    • Gallery Page 7 - Woboda Bookmarks
    • Gallery Page 8 - Countries
    • Gallery Page 9 - Bookmarks Speak
  • Library
    • Reading Room
    • Book Reviews
    • Bookmark Quotes
    • IFOB Publications >
      • Earliest History of Bookmarks
      • Diamond Registration Marks on British Bookmarks
      • World Literature Classics
      • Holiday Haunts Bookmarks of the Great Western Railway
      • Reprints of the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games Bookmarks
      • Fascinating Bookmarks
      • Traditional Costumes of Countries - A bookmark Series by Rowohlt Verlag
      • Charting the Course of Celluloid Bookmarks
  • Bibliographies
  • Workshop
  • Events
  • Links
  • Bookmark Producers