Archive Database: Search FAQ

HOW IS THE NEW DATABASE DIFFERENT THAN THE OLD?

The new database is built on Drupal (shout out to our partners at Kanopi!) and is a relational database.  Which simply means that all of the data behind the scenes is structurally linked in order to provide the most thorough and accurate search results.  In order to work this magic, 4+ million data bits were reviewed and lots of dirty data was cleaned up.

Searching and filtering data is more efficient and accurate.

Production cast pages are now fully linked within, photographs are integrated, and program books are readily accessible.  

THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO SEARCH – KEYWORD, CAST, CREATIVE/CREW – HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO USE WHICH ONE?

Keyword search is the broadest search of the three.  Whatever words you put in the search box, the system will look for in all of the various fields in the opera and people records.  This is a good way to explore, but not the best way if you are looking for very specific results.  

For example, if you keyword search Pagliacci – you will get 89 results, many of which are not an opera record for Pagliacci.  Rather the word Pagliacci is elsewhere in the record – most likely in the notes field.  However, if you use the filter for Opera and type in Pagliacci you will get only the Pagliacci opera records of which there are 37.

If you want to search for a phrase in keyword search, simply add quote marks, ie “world premiere.”  This will get you 23 results.  If you don’t use the quote marks, there are 27 results.  Why the difference?  Without quotes, the database is searching for each term separately, but both have to occur within the single record.  With quotes, it is searching for the exact phrase which may relate to the opera’s status or simply be in the notes field.  In this case, better yet to use the filters and simply click the box asking for World Premiere – this will get you 18 results, all of which were exactly that.

Cast search takes you straight to the specific individual artist you are looking for.  Start typing the name and a drop down will populate as you type.  When you see the person you want, click!  If you want to see every artist who sang Tosca, skip the Artist Name search box and search for Tosca in Role instead – within seconds you will have 41 results of all of the ladies who have sung the role on our stage.

Creative/crew search works similarly.  You can target an individual, ie Eun Sun Kim, or search by position, ie Conductor.  

But why are Creatives and Crew conflated into one search when they are very different?  Good catch! That is what we call a legacy data issue – in other words, they were conflated in the old database and we had to make a choice between spending a great deal of time parsing them apart or focusing on more critical areas of needed improvement.

SO WHAT ARE FILTERS AND HOW SHOULD I USE THEM?

Filters are amazing!  They make it possible to zero in on exactly what you want very quickly.  Looking for a specific opera title over time?  Use the Opera filter.  How about a particular season?  Use the Season filter.  Curious about our record with Strauss operas? Use the Composer filter.  You get the idea.  You can also use more than one filter at a time!

OK, I GET THAT THE DATABASE HAS BEEN REBUILT, BUT WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY EXPANDED?

MORE photographs!  We’ve expanded the photo holdings to cover 1923-present; in the old DB it was 1970-present.  Even better, the photographs are now accessed within the cast page record; no more launching a new window or having to switch back and forth between data and images.

MORE production programs!  We’ve expanded the program pdf holdings from a random smattering of early programs to now include (nearly) all programs from 1923-1990, and 2013-present.  If you don’t see a specific program within those years, then it’s either in the scanning queue or we are missing that copy – do you have one?  Let us know!  1991-2012 are currently in the scanning queue and will be making an appearance asap!

MORE performance content!  Opera in the Park!  Concerts! And coming soon – WOT, SF Opera Presents, and other old-timey programming you’ll be surprised to learn about – remember Dollar Opera?!

WHAT IF I SEE SOMETHING WONKY?

Databases are works in progress, particularly when you’ve done a complete rebuild and migration out of a 20+ year old legacy system.  
If you see something, say something!  Always happy to receive feedback:   archive@sfopera.com .

AND ABOUT THAT NOTES FIELD …

What can we say … that Notes field is the equivalent of the kitchen junk drawer.  We’ve built homes for the various data bits included and are working away at it.  We’re looking at you, Supernumeraries!