Administration of Visual Collections

       Administering a photographic collection requires specialized historical and technical knowledge beyond basic archival principles and practices. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the care and administration of photographic collections contained in library special collections, archives, and museums. Special emphasis is given to: the place photographs have in the historical record and the use of photographs as primary source materials; a survey of the history of photography; a chronology of the various techniques and processes developed that have created the many forms of photographic images; conservation methods needed for each photographic form; preservation storage; collecting, appraisal and access policies; cataloging and arranging for retrieval and use; finding aids including computerized bibliographic control; reproduction services; legal issues of use; and exhibition. (HIS 7890)