easydb image database, digital library and media library in the field of art history

From the introduction of images into the lecture hall to the web-based slide library

The use of image reproductions in art historical communication and teaching has a long tradition. The Karlsruhe professor Bruno Meyer around 1873 is considered the pioneer for the first approaches to using photo projections for research and university didactics.

However, slide projections for communicating and gaining knowledge of art-scientific contexts were established and widely used in 1892 by the Berlin university professor Hermann Grimm, who was also responsible for establishing the first chair for art history at the University of Berlin. [1] With the help of photography and slide projection, Grimm made it easier to access art history and laid the foundation dam image-immanent approaches and methods that are now an integral part of art studies teaching. For the first time, light projections made it possible for all viewers to view an image at the same time and synchronize it with the lecture. [2]

Technical progress and digitalization have significantly changed photography and its reception. The new technologies have also found their way into universities and teaching and have significantly transformed the means and methods for teaching art history. [3] Analog media were complemented by digital media and continually established themselves as an indispensable means of art historical and scientific communication.

Modern software solutions in the form of image databases, digital slide libraries and media libraries are available to integrate digital media into communication. Web-based database technology allows location-independent access to extensive repositories of art history. Although users of images relevant to art history are quick to conduct research using search engines such as Google, these cannot replace a professional slide or media library. The primary purpose of search engines is to research content, but not to Search for data and files, which in turn are managed in a professional database and maintained with high-quality and scientifically based Info . In addition to high image quality, a professional image database in art history also offers helpful tools from the tradition of art history teaching methods. Common features include image comparison through double projection, continuous zoom and presentation compilations within the database.

Background of the first easydb

The idea of ​​the digital library was inspired by a professor of art history as part of an e-learning project that started in 2002 at the University of Bern. The desire for a digital slide library that puts the image in the foreground and serves as an aid for teaching art history founded the development history of the easydb technology.

The initial principle of the original version was an easy-to-use slide library with which teaching material can be made available digitally. It was important that the diathek could be accessed via a browser to ensure easy access and a self-explanatory data model for recording by assistants and library staff, which is why systematic in-depth indexing in the scope of a documentation system for collecting collections was initially avoided.

Further development

The digital diathek was then successively supplemented with tools and features that came from the traditional means and methods of art-scientific education and were based on the working methods with analogue diatheks. The slide projector corresponds to the presentation tool, which makes presentations possible directly from easydb and can be used without exporting the data. Analog workbooks can be created digitally in easydb . Collections can be put together and set up for teaching units and collaborative access within workgroups. An export option for Power Point is also available.

Data model and usage

Lean data model

The first easydb in art history was based on the idea of ​​a data model for recording digital copies, which should first and foremost be slim. The focus was on quickly finding the images and media as well as quickly and easily recording the digital copies and photographs. The labeling on analog slide frames served as the basis for the data model. The diathek was also used in the archeology department. The basic data includes:

Title, artist, place of manufacture (factual and stylistic), dating (work dating), era (due to open dating boundaries, this is often a challenge), location (relevant to the era), location (relevant to archaeology)

Additionally, information about technology, dimensions (of the original), genre (useful for research) and iconography (although specialist expertise is required here) is possible. The data model can be adapted to all recording conventions and expanded flexibly.

Image credits

The orders for collecting images and metadata are often carried out by assistants from art history institutes. The minimum requirements for photo credits include mentioning the photographer by name. In addition, it is possible to specify the copyright and is particularly useful for so-called born digital images. Additional notes and comments can be left in a comment field.

Input conventions

Standards and norms are maintained through controlled vocabularies in lists. This means that autonomous input conventions can also be maintained. The integration of standard vocabularies and thesauri as well as the connection to external services such as literature servers is also possible.

Data storage in pools

Allocation to different collections or specialist areas is possible by categorizing them into pools. This means that media can not only be managed in a structured manner, but also the rights for access, use and reading of the data can be controlled. Rights management is also applicable to all data and all users.

Research

A simple Search and an advanced search mode (expert search ) are available for research. Using the expert search , the recorded input fields can be searched individually or in combination. Multiple Search entries are linked with an automatic AND.

Tools for teaching and communication

Mid-level teachers and professors use the presentation tool to prepare courses and can present them in the reading room from easydb . Seminar content as well as research and Search results are stored in workbooks. Thanks to the image comparison in double projections and a continuous zoom, traditional teaching methods are also possible from the easydb .

Connector composite

The first digital image databases based on easydb in art history were based on a network with the universities of Basel, Berlin (FU), Bern, Stuttgart, Vienna and Zurich (ETH). The easydb Connector was developed for collaboration - a tool that makes it possible to connect an easydb with other easydb s. The easydb connector function makes images available to network partners across institutes for use in teaching and research.