Good Morning All,
It sounded to me like a great idea to seek input from others in my
library, so I asked a few key people that I feel really have their fingers
on our users pulses and got the following responses from Ann Lindell of our
Architecture & Fine Arts Library and Denise Bennett of our Science Library.
From: Denise Bennett
Subject: RE: Physical description of remote resources
Jimmie and all:
I feel strongly that the Phys Desc field should convey useful information
for the patron. I teach patrons to observe if a book is 250 pages as
opposed to 5 or 1000, and if an article is 10 pages as opposed to 1 or 50,
and they understand when I explain size relativity. Therefore, I would like
to see the number of slides or minutes included.
I like this one: 1 presentation (53 slides) : col., digital, HTML file
because the # of slides conveys meaning. If the creator adds or cuts a few
slides, "53" still means "not just 5" and "way less than 200". I also like
using "slides" instead of "powerpoint". "Slides" is generic and accurate;
it avoids the "ppt" problem while making instant sense to the potential
user. The format expands to a frames environment or to a set, where we
could use: 3 presentations (7, 53, 20 slides) : if appropriate.
I like any of these because they include playing time (6 min vs 45 min) as
well as file size (which may matter to the downloader):
1 sound file (6 min., 5.3 megabytes) : digital, stereo., mp3 file
1 sound file (6 min.) (5.3 megabytes) : digital, stereo., mp3 file
1 sound file (6 min.) : digital, stereo., mp3 file Note: File size: 5.3
megabytes.
1 sound file (5.3 megabytes) : digital, stereo., mp3 file Note: Playing
time: 6 min.
with a slight preference for the 1st because it's the most succint.
--Denise
From: Ann Lindell
I agree. Physical description is important. Especially when it concerns
non-text, visual information. The more detail the better! Pagination,
running-time, file type/size---All good!
As for the term "slides", over here in Architecture/Fine Arts, that word
connotes the physical, 2-inch, 35mm variety. If we're going to use the word
"slide" in the description, I'd like a qualifier: "digital slides", or "35mm
slides", etc.
--Ann Lindell
As for me, when I am using the catalog I find it helpful to know a little
about what I'll be getting into if I click on a link to an electronic
resource. Those who regularly use electronic resources of specific natures
can be a helpful resource to advise us on how to choose a term from the
relevant chapter or a "term in common usage". Thanks for the interesting
questions.
--Jimmie
-----Original Message-----
From: Sherman Clarke [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2004 5:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PCCLIST] how would you describe this
Mike and Adam,
As someone who meanders in a discipline that thought we had the trademark on
the word slides (i.e. visual resources, aka art history slideroom folks), I
might suggest:
1 presentation (53 slides) : col., digital, HTML file
That way, if you want, you can put PowerPoint in a note as desirable, and
you get your unitary term in 300$a.
Sherman Clarke - NYU Libraries - [log in to unmask]
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