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Purpose of Elements of the ISAD(G) Description

Identity Statement Area

  • Reference code(s). To identify uniquely the unit of description and to provide a link to the description that represents it.
  • Title. To name the unit of description.
  • Date(s). To identify and record the date(s) of the unit of description.
  • Level of description. To identify the level of arrangement of the unit of description, i.e.,Fonds, Sub-fonds, Series, Sub-series, File, Item
  • Extent and medium of the unit of description (quantity, bulk, or size). To identify and describe (a) the physical or logical extent and (b) the medium of the unit of description.

 

Context Area

  • Name of creator(s). To identify the creator (or creators) of the unit of description.
  • Administrative / Biographical history. To provide an administrative history of, or biographical details on, the creator (or creators) of the unit of description to place the material in context and make it better understood.
  • Archival history. To provide information on the history of the unit of description that is significant for its authenticity, integrity and interpretation.
  • Immediate source of acquisition or transfer. To identify the immediate source of acquisition or transfer.

 

Content and Structure Area

  • Scope and content. To enable users to judge the potential relevance of the unit of description.
  • Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information. To provide information on any appraisal, destruction and scheduling action.
  • Accruals. To inform the user of foreseen additions to the unit of description.
  • System of arrangement. To provide information on the internal structure, the order and/or the system of classification of the unit of description.

 

Conditions of Access and Use Area

  • Conditions governing access. To provide information on the legal status or other regulations that restrict or affect access to the unit of description.
  • Conditions governing reproduction. To identify any restrictions on reproduction of the unit of description.
  • Language/scripts of material. To identify the language(s), script(s) and symbol systems employed in the unit of description.
  • Physical characteristics and technical requirements. To provide information about any important physical characteristics or technical requirements that affect use of the unit of description.
  • Finding aids. To identify any finding aids to the unit of description.

 

Allied Materials Area

  • Existence and location of originals. To indicate the existence, location, availability and/or destruction of originals where the unit of description consists of copies.
  • Existence and location of copies. To indicate the existence, location and availability of copies of the unit of description.
  • Related units of description. To identify related units of description.
  • Publication note. To identify any publications that are about or are based on the use, study, or analysis of the unit of description.

 

Notes Area

  • Note. To provide information that cannot be accommodated in any of the other areas.

 

Description Control Area

  • Rules or Conventions. To identify the protocols on which the description is based.
  • Date(s) of descriptions. To indicate when this description was prepared and/or revised.