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More web resources for
EAD
Usage
The standard for encoding archival finding aids (inventories, registers,
indexes, and guides which describe and facilitate access to collections).
Though not originally designed for, is also used for image collections.
Creators
Initial development began at University of California, Berkeley, Library
in 1993. Society of American Archivists involvement began in 1995. First
complete version released Aug. 1998. Currently maintained in the Network
Development and MARC Standards Office of the Library of Congress (LC)
in partnership with the Society of American Archivists.
Revisions
SAA (Society of American Archivists) will continue revision and publication
of EAD Version 1.0 application guidelines. No specific timeline for new
versions or updates. Encoded Archival Description Electronic List: http://lcweb.loc.gov/ead/eadlist.html
.
Ease of use
Data input can be made easy with use of templates. Implementation can
be done without extensive training. Display mechanism needed for viewing
and searching. Some implementation guidelines and canned templates in
the EAD Cookbook: http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/ead/cookbookhelp.html
Documentation
Extensive documentation available, primarily sources through the application
guidelines and tag library. Additional documentation through practitioner
sites.
Online version of EAD Application Guidelines: http://lcweb.loc.gov/ead/ag/aghome.html
EAD tag library online: http://lcweb.loc.gov/ead/tglib/tlhome.html
Encoded Archival Description: Content Theory and Case Studies, Jackie
M., ed.
Thesauri
No thesauri specific to EAD, but the APPM (Archives, Personal Papers and
Manuscripts) is used for description. Thesauri may be chosen based on
the collection and institution.
Projects
Extensive list at: http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/ead/sitesann.html
, includes information on delivery system, encoding procedure and contact
person as well as link to site.
An example with a good search mechanism: The Historic Pittsburgh Finding
Aids, http://digital.library.pitt.edu/ead/
Wayne State Reuther Library finding aids: http://www.reuther.wayne.edu/collections/hefa_-coll.htm
Granularity
Allows for any level of description desired, from collection to item level.
Allows for nesting of data to 12 levels through the use of the Component
Elements (5 or fewer typically used). Data may be linked to other EAD
files through the Archival Reference element.
Data for Original and Surrogate
Provides for data of the original (can be multiple levels - such as finding
aid & collection) as well as for the surrogate.
Metadata types
Descriptive metadata is provided for through the majority of EAD tags.
Administrative metadata is provided for through the Administrative Info,
Archival Description and other elements. Structural metadata is limited,
through elements such as EAD Identifier.
