Category: Computer Science

Describe It! is a Zooniverse project created by The Frick Collection and Frick Art Reference Library. In this project, online volunteers write short descriptions for works of art in the Library’s Photoarchive collection. In order to obtain a variety of descriptions, each image is described three times before it is retired. Once an image is retired, the submitted descriptions are evaluated by library research staff who select the best description for each image. Each of the descriptions are then converted into alt-text (alternative text) which make its collections accessible to all users. Volunteers can help anonymously or create an account. The project includes a tutorial, instructions, tips and detailed metadata information about each work of art.

1. Art History classes can use it to teach art and how to write concisely about art.
2. Museum Studies courses could use the project to reinforce the need for alt-text and accessibility in museums.
3. Computer Science classes could participate in Describe It! as a way to teach about alt-text.
4. Disability studies courses could use the project to teach how to write concise alt-text.
5. ESL classes could participate in this project as a way students could work on their English writing skills by describing art.
6. English composition courses could use the project as a way to practice writing short concise sentences.