We use "A Model for the Description of Archaeological Archives" for structuring the non-finds part of archaeological archives. see: http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/archives/
It forms part of a whole methodology for managing archaeological projects: http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/guidance/map2/index.htm but also works as a way of organising material from old excavations.

Practically how much we sub divide a particular excavations archive will depend on how much paperwork an excavation has produced.


Trevor Reynolds, Registrar
English Heritage, 37 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6WP
+44 (0) 1904 601905
________________________________________
From: Museum discussion list [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clevenger, Liz [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 22 July 2010 01:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Archaeological Collections: associated documentation methodology question

Hello fellow Museum-Lers –

This query is for those who curate or otherwise manage archaeological collections that include associated documentation, and in particular, for those who have cataloged or otherwise developed formal metadata for associated documentation. We are beginning to digitize our hard copy documents and create catalog records to facilitate access to them. Various sources suggest treating associated documentation as archival collections, which would mean (1) not reorganizing the documents in any fashion unless you have archival training (and none of us do) and (2) developing a metadata structure that employs a fairly extensive hierarchy (series--subseries--sub-subseries--file unit etc) for organizing the documents.

I am curious to hear if this archival approach to organization is taken by others who curate associated documentation, particularly in archaeological repositories, or whether the real life situation varies. In my experience, associated documents (especially from older projects) are often not in any particularly sensible order and could benefit greatly from gentle reorganization. And, in my assumption, an extensive hierarchy for describing project documents is potentially overkill.

I welcome any advice or experiences people are willing to share. Please feel free to contact me off-list at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.

Thanks in advance –

aloha
~Liz


Liz N. Clevenger, MA, RPA
Curator of Archaeology
(415) 561-5086
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>



Presidio Archaeology Lab  |  www.presidio.gov/history/archaeology<http://www.presidio.gov/history/archaeology>  |  (415) 561-ARCH  info  |  (415) 561-5089 fax
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