Introduction
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Archival description encompasses creating metadata that reflects the collection as a whole, its parts, and the description thereof. Description should include information about the creator(s) or originating offices, the context and era in which the materials were created, and an overview of the topics covered by the collection. The Department of Distinctive Collections follows Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) description standards with additional local style guidelines, requirements, and controlled vocabularies.
When creating description, one should be mindful of using a EDISJ lens. Examples include, but are not limited to, using full names when known, documenting opposing viewpoints, and being clear about the context in which records were created. See resources below for more ideas about how to incorporate these values into your everyday description work.
Sections
Guidelines
- Subject and Name Authorities
Children Display all true page Subject and Name Authorities - Style Guidelines
Children Display all true page Style Guidelines
Collection Level Description
- Collection Level Description Overview
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Component List
- Component List Overview
- Series Level Description
- Series Level Notes
- File Level Description
- Folder Markings
- File Level Notes
- Series Level Description
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Notes
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Finding Aid Data
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Additional Resources
Roe, Kathleen D. Arranging and Describing Archives and Manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005.
Archives of American Art. "Description in ArchivesSpace." In Guidelines for Processing Collections with Audiovisual Material. 2015
EDISJ & Description
Archives for Black Lives in Philadelphia, Anti-Racist Description Resources, 2019.
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Society of American Archivists, DACS: Describing Archives a Content Standard
Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
EADiva (an alternate resource for learning about EAD)
Authorities & Controlled Vocabularies
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