Guide

Detailed Description

Extended description fields for producing more comprehensive records in institutions and collections.

These fields were developed within the Dublin Core Metadata Standard for civil society organizations and other institutions. The downloadable workbook includes detailed field notes and examples.

Field nameExplanation
Archive nameThe name of the personal or institutional archive.
IdentifierA unique identifier assigned to each archival item.
TitleThe name or brief identifying information assigned to the archival item.
DescriptionDetailed information about the content of the archival item.
SourceThe source in which the information carried by the item appears, when applicable.
CreatorThe person or institution responsible for creating the archival item.
Subject / keywordsAccess terms that describe the information contained in the archival item.
ContributorA person or organization that contributed to the creation of the archival item.
DateThe date or time period associated with the archival item in its life cycle.
LanguageThe language of the archival item.
TypeThe type or format of the archival item.
NotesOther information that should be recorded about the content or condition of the archival item.
Method of acquisitionHow the archival item was acquired.
AccessAccess conditions such as closed, permission required, internal, or open access.
CopyrightInformation about the copyright holder of the archival item.