Recently, I took part in the "Double Take" webinar series presented by The Library Of Congress on picture identification and exploration. The series was based on the PICTURE THIS blog from the LOC. Check it out!
Look closely:
Front and back- if physical picture
Zoom in on details (use magnifying glasses or zoom)
Write observations
Notice unusual features
Use context clues-
Read accompanying information
On object
Catalog description
Look at other pictures in collection
Consider the sources
Still not sure or hit a brick wall?
Look at other photos to compare
Look for contextual information
Always review what you know
Come at your search from lots of angles
Once you have found a piece of information, run to an end
KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS
Summary:
As the title mentions this lecture was based on a picture (above) posing the question "Is this the White House or Not?" Over the course of the lecture, we used context clues of a image of "Mirza Ali Kuli Khan and Wife" taken on 2/28/13 according to the inscription on the glass plate negative. We studied the image, used context clues to ultimately determine the building in the background was or was not the White House (NO SPOILERS)
The biggest take away I got for libraries was the idea of using Flicker to crowd source information for cataloging purposed. Kristi mentioned that in the case of this picture this sourcing added information about the figures in this picture which added to the searhablity of this image for future use. Libraries can and should be using this feature to not only include the public in the gathering of information but to feature library holdings.
Photo Citation
Bain News Service, Publisher. Mirza Ali Kuli Khan & wife. date created or published later by Bain. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2014693058/>.
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