IRIS

IRIS is a relational database for the management and descriptive cataloging of image assets of cultural materials, based on VRA Core Categories 4.0.  IRIS manages acquisitions, production, cataloging, classification, and other workflow activities for multiple still image collections (e.g., digital images, slides and photographs).  IRIS facilitates the creation of descriptive metadata for images of art, architecture and the built environment, visual culture, anthropology, archaeology, photography, urban planning and urban studies that are used to support teaching and learning in an academic setting

IRIS is built on the data structure standard VRA Core 4.0   http://www.loc.gov/standards/ and CCO (Cataloging Cultural Objects)  http://www.vrafoundation.org/ccoweb/index.htm  VRA Core 4.0 was designed for data exchange; the XML expression of VRA Core 4.0 allows it to interoperate with other standards.  CCO is a data content standard for the description of works (and images of) art, architecture and the built environment, visual media, and cultural materials.

IRIS: General

  • IRIS is structured in Filemaker Pro
  • MIT Libraries currently use IRIS 2006 with plans to upgrade to IRIS 2008
  • IRIS Cooperative:  26 schools using IRIS, annual meetings, shared development is iterative
  • Currently used at MIT by the staff of Rotch Visual Collections to manage and catalog digital images, maps, and objects from special collections such as Limited Access

IRIS: Features

  • Hierarchical and complex relationships can be established (work to image, image to image, work to work, etc.)
  • Ability to create and maintain hierarchical authority files for controlling data values. Some of those files are:  geography, culture/period, material/technique, names, roles, subjects/topics, etc.
  • Capable of ingesting metadata from external sources
  • Exports to XML
  • Formats special display text without disturbing metadata fields
  • Selected fields are repeatable
  • Tracks acquisitions of images
  • Supports different types/levels of users (admin, catalogers, reviewers, student assistants)

IRIS: Limitations

  • Doesn’t support other metadata element sets (beyond VRA towards other non-MARC standards)
  • IRIS is less flexible for creating descriptive metadata for other media types such as digital video
  • IRIS has an inherent bias towards images of art and architecture.  A more robust tool is needed if it is to be used to manage a broader selection of images beyond art and architecture in an integrated environment
  • Workflow tracking could be more granular
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