Page History

Purpose

To recognize the MIT and AKDC archives as a global resource that exists in many languages, to extend and uphold equity, diversity, and inclusion values.

In ArchivesSpace (both staff and public view) one can see all the languages represented at the collection level. This can help us see language strengths and gaps and quickly identify which collections are the most multilingual. Knowing which collections contain materials in which languages will allow us and descriptions to better serve users.

This element identifies the language(s), script(s), and symbol systems employed in the materials being described, particularly as they may affect its use.¹

DACS Guidance

Follow DACS guidance when documenting Language of Materials—these rules are applicable at any level of description.

Documenting Languages in ArchivesSpace

Collection Level

Indicate language of materials in collection using the dropdown menus in the ArchivesSpace Languages module. Add as many languages as needed to document all languages contained in the collection materials. 

Use the Language of Materials Note to further describe the location or quantity of materials in each language. Any language listed in the Language of Materials Note should also be selected from the dropdown menus to enhance access.

Do not describe materials as "foreign language," as not all users of MIT ArchivesSpace may be based in English-speaking countries. Use specific languages when known. If language is unknown use "Non-English" and select "Undetermined" from the dropdown menu. If a language is unknown, but can be narrowed to a category of language, select a broader description such as Romance Languages, Germanic Languages, Semitic Languages, or Sino-Tibetan languages.

Examples:

File/Item Level

Include a language note if non-English. If you have a translation or more information include it in the scope and content note. Include name of translator if known. When titles of Files and/or Items are retained in their original languages or transliterated, note this in the Language of Description Note.

How do you determine what the language is?

• Ask others - MIT Libraries language list - list of staff members and their language expertise. 
• Google translate
• Crowdsourcing sites? Social media
• If unsure what the language is, use “undetermined” (at any level), we can then search for these later.

Diacritics, Accents, and Non-Latin Characters

Make sure to include these as they can change the meaning of words.

Options on how to create diacritics:

• on a PC hold down the windows key and . to see symbol options
• on a Mac hold down Control-Command-Space bar
• Copy and paste into ArchivesSpace. 

References

1. Anchor
   1 1

   Society of American Archivists’ Technical Subcommittee on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (TS-DACS), “4.5 Languages and Scripts of the Material (Required),” in Describing Archives: A Content Standard, Version 2021.0.0.2 (Society of American Archivists, 2021), https://saa-ts-dacs.github.io/dacs/06_part_I/05_chapter_04/05_languages_and_scripts_of_the_material.html.