ABSTRACT

This entry provides an overview of the Visual Resources Association (VRA), an international organization for image media professionals. Beginning with an introduction to the organization and its mission, the entry then provides a history of the VRA, including events leading up to its founding in 1982 and gives the background for its importance in the information sciences today. Following is an explanation of the organizational structure, a description of the newly founded VRA Foundation, and information on the regional chapters, appointments, and standing committees. Two important data standard initiatives, the VRA Core and Cataloging Cultural Objects are described. The entry also provides information on the publications of the VRA, the annual conferences and the jointly sponsored (with the Art Library Society of North America) Summer Educational Institute for Visual Resources and Image Management.