Understanding the photographical context using the Reading model based on the Complex Method and the primary functions of images

Abstract

This study discusses the importance of understanding the context of a given photograph for effective indexing. It is based on the application of Matrix 1 and Matrix 2 of the Photograph Indexation Reading Model that was developed following the Complex Method and the primary functions of images. The model was applied by two groups of Library Science students at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Matrix 1 and Matrix 2, as well as by an external user who only applied Matrix 2. The research presented in this paper is of an exploratory and applied nature. It analyzes a sample of two photographs that portray contemporary events. Participants were instructed to apply free indexing. It was observed that, when looking for information about the context of the images, information professionals had more resources for selecting key-words when indexing using Matrix 1. On the other hand, the external user who used Matrix 2 directly, without searching for information about context, only identified key-words related to the content that could be seen and interpreted in the photograph.