----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 15:51:27 -0400
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: Eileen Markson <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Dyabola Questions
>Cc:
>Bcc:
>X-Attachments:
>
>Dear J. Brandon Pope:
>
> I am sending this to the list instead of directly to you, so our
>fellow ARLIS/NA members can learn more about DYABOLA.
>
> The CD-ROM version is, for now, the only version of this database,
>which is exactly as you describe it. It does cover material not covered
>anywhere else, and it does have "a rather inferior interface" in the sense
>that it is not particularly user-friendly. It has a codified (some might
>say rigid) hierarchical subject-heading tree, so that users must try to
>imagine where in the tree one would be likely to find the particular
>subject of one's search. For instance, material on individual
>archaeological sites is under "Topography," which is not where I would
>think to look for it. There is no possibility of putting in one's own
>search term and asking for a likely match, because even in the keyword
>search, one can put in the term wanted, but is then thrown into an index
>of keyword terms available.
>
> However, despite its drawbacks, DYABOLA is an absolutely crucial
>database to have for anyone doing research in Classical art and
>archaeology. It also includes some material on the Ancient Near East. It
>is in essence a continuation of the annual bibliography published the Rome
>branch of the German Archaeological Institute, which ceased appearing in
>printed form in 1993 (it used to be published as part of the German
>Archaeological Institute's "Jahrbuch." It is the primary source for
>consistent bibliographical coverage of this field.
>
> Biering und Brinckmann, the publisher of DYABOLA, has promised a
>Web version of DYABOLA. We had hoped for it to appear this fall, but it
>seems that publication of this version will be delayed (we recently
>received the latest update on CD-ROM).
>
> At the ARLIS/NA conference in Pittsburgh there will be a workshop
>on sources in ancient art during which DYABOLA will be demonstrated by
>Jean Susorney Wellington of the University of Cincinnati, who knows how to
>get around the quirks of this database better than anyone I know. She
>will help clarify some of DYABOLA'S mysteries.
>
> Cordially,
>
>
> Eileen Markson
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>>
>>Does anyone on the list library subscribe to 'Dyabola: Sachkataloge des
>>Deutschen Archaologischen Instituts'?
>>
>>The reason I am asking is that I've had an inquiry about the CD-ROM version
>>from two of my professors and a TA. From what I've read on the matter, its
>>supposed to have a rather inferior interface but to also cover some
>>information that is not covered anywhere else.
>>
>>Does anyone have an opinion on the product? I'd appreciate hearing
>>anything, even just rumors at this point . . . .
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>J. Brandon Pope
>>Fine Arts Librarian
>>Hamon Arts Library
>>Southern Methodist University
>>Dallas, TX 75275-0356
>>
>>Tel.: (214) 768-2796
>>Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
Eileen Markson
Head, Rhys Carpenter Library
for Art, Archaeology, and Cities
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2899
Phone: (610) 526-7910
FAX: (610) 526-7911
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