Image Databases for Museum Staff, Visitors and the Outside World: The Same Basic Material?

This paper deals with different kinds of Image databases In museum surroundings. Based on the experiences of the Natlonal Museum of Denmark, different target audiences are mentioned, which requlre different user Interfaces, from Illustrated text databases (collection mangement systems) to highly interactive image databases for unqualified visitors. The question arises as to whether it is possible to adapt the same basic material to the different user levels, or to what extent new recording material is necessary. Furthermore, the role of images In systems is discussed. How do we avoid images becoming dead ends in the systems? How do we make them searchable, and platforms for "association jumps?"