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Guidelines for cataloguing images using the Picture Queensland web form
Guidelines also available as Word document [new window 
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4. Title
Field label: TITLE
Definition: A name given to the resource
Purpose: A primary search point for users who know the title of the resource or who are searching for specific words or aspects relating to a resource.
Obligation: Mandatory
Input guidelines
Main title
4.1 If a resource has a title, use that title if it is has enough information to adequately identify and describe the resource and assist searching. If the title is vague and lacks adequate description, either add extra information to the given title or create a new one in order to bring out the fields as described below. If the title on the resource is used as the main title and the source of the title is considered significant (eg, a caption title that accompanies an image that appeared in a newspaper), include that information in the description field, eg, Title taken from caption, or a similarly worded phrase.
4.2 If quotation marks are required as part of the title use single quotation marks.
4.3 If no title is available create a title based on the content of the resource. Do not put the created title in brackets or quotation marks as these may create problems in external systems.
For example:
- Portrait of Caroline Chisholm not [Portrait of Caroline Chisholm] or "Portrait of Caroline Chisholm"
4.4 When creating a title ensure that information crucial to resource discovery is included in the title field. Do not rely on only the DESCRIPTION field to bring out crucial information. (Keep in mind that the most common search in PictureAustralia is the simple search which searches only Title, Creator, Subject and Coverage fields). Link together other descriptive information to 'name' the resource. For example, use dates, location, name of subject, etc. Where possible, always include Subject, Place, Date, and add other aspects if necessary.
For example:
- an image of a group of people attending the Longreach May races in 1934 would have a TITLE Group of unidentified men and women attending the Longreach May races, 1934 and not a simplistic title like Group portrait 1934
4.5 When creating a title do not simply repeat the description. Keep it succinct but meaningful.
4.6 Do not include initial articles such as A, An, The, at the beginning of the title. External systems may not be able to handle them. Also, do not use HMAS, SS, etc. for ships, as these will be alphabetised by title. (Note: Do not use full stops in well known acronyms).
4.7 A date should be included in the title when it is adjacent to the title and adds meaning to it. Do not drop the date if it is part of the title.
4.8 If a title is created and a date is available from the description, include the date.
For example:
- an image of the first General Post Office in Brisbane with a neighbouring building would have a title, First General Post Office in Brisbane and Moreton Bay Savings Bank, ca. 1868.
4.9 For untitled works of fine art, use the information on the wall label, exhibition catalogue or other promotional material. If the work is known as 'Untitled' use this as the title.
Last updated: 4th June 2009
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