Cataloguing Masterclass 1:
Cataloguing Newsreels and Cinemagazines
27-28 April 2021, online
Presented by the FIAF Cataloguing and Documentation Commission
Registrations are now closed. Selected candidates will be contacted shortly.
The detailed schedule can be found here.
Description of the Masterclass
Newsreels and cinemagazines pose particular challenges for cataloguers aiming to comply with FIAF cataloguing recommendations; there are many permutations of title, series, and segments, and as many ways of cataloguing them. This is the first of what is intended to be a series of masterclasses on cataloguing different aspects of cinematographic works, and offers a rare opportunity for cataloguers to hone their skills under the expert guidance of the FIAF Cataloguing and Documentation Commission.
Please note that the participants are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 people because of the intensive nature of this masterclass and the level of commitment required from the participants.
There will be one two-hour online session on each of the two days in which participants will discuss their own attempts at cataloguing newsreels or cinemagazines, and present examples from their own institution’s collections, with an opportunity to find out how others approach such material in their collections. Three experts from the CDC will lead the discussions, offering advice on solutions to fit the circumstances of each participant.
Prior to these sessions, participants will complete a number of preparatory tasks including a cataloguing exercise. They will have four weeks in which to do this. Participation in the online sessions will be conditional on these tasks being completed.
At the end of the workshop, attendees should be able to identify:
sources of information for the work
what elements belong in the construction of the title (issue numbers, etc.)
different types of newsreel and cinemagazine situations
the series in the resource being cataloged
what information to record for the newsreel/cinemagazine and its segments
the relationships to create.
Participants will be asked to complete a quiz to help in assessing what they have learnt.
The masterclass will be conducted in English.
You can find the programme schedule here.
The experts
The masterclass will be taught by Thelma Ross, The Museum of Modern Art, New York (Head of the CDC), Adelheid Heftberger, Bundesarchiv, Berlin (Deputy Head of the CDC), and Natasha Fairbairn, BFI National Archive, London. For more information, see here.
Fee
There will be not be any fee for this masterclass.
Who should apply
This masterclass is for people working as cataloguers in a FIAF-affiliated archive. They should have good experience in cataloguing film and a familiarity with the issues that their own collections present. Participants must be prepared to carry out the preparatory tasks within the time allowed, and must have their institution’s sanction to use material from the collection as examples.
Participants must be willing and able to take an active part in the online sessions. A good internet connection and a private space are essential.
Places are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Please fill in this online form if you would like to take part in this masterclass. Note that the selection will be made on the basis of the quality and relevance of the information contained in your application form (experience, motivation), so please fill it in as thoroughly and accurately as possible.
Applications close 23 March 2021.
Contact
For more information please email training@fiafnet.org.
