We have had a request to publish journals and poetry from our manuscript
collection. I have numerous questions about this request, and would like
some opinions and advice before responding to the interested researcher.

The items in question are two journals and a ledger of poetry from the early
19th century written by an American traveling in South America. THese
apparently give great insight into political and social changes occuring
there at that time.

Becuase they will likely be used only by Spanish-speaking historians, the
researcher wants to transcribe them and then translate them into Spanish.
THe english version will not be published.

The researcher has no transcription/translation experience, but seems to be
diligent and well meaning.

This project is not a staff priority and we would like to avoid putting a
lot of time into the project, espeically since it will not be published in
English.

Despite being small we are a very professional institution and try to
maintain high standards of scholarship and accuracy in everything we do.
Frankly, we are hesitant about trusting this project to a novice. However,
we would like our collection to be used a publicized, rather than locked in
a dark storage building.

Here are my questions:

What are some issues in transcribing poetry and then translating it into
another language?  It seems there would be a greater chance for lost
meaning, especially written in early 19th century English.

Should we require that this process be accomplished by a professional, or at
least checked by a professional. (No one here speaks Spanish) At what
stages?

This will require staff time, regardless of how little we want to be
involved in the process. Our current research fee schedule only includes
reproducing photographs and photocopying manuscripts.  What should we charge
for this?  Should we charge for this? The final product will probably not be
a useable resource for us becuase it will be published in another language.

Any suggestions for who to call, or resources I can look into regarding
transcription/translation of manuscripts?

Thanks for your time!

Erin Crissman
Curator of Collections
Historic Cherry Hill
Albany, NY 12202
518-434-4791
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