Finding aid creation

Houghton Library creates finding aids to describe its manuscript collections using EAD, a standardized markup language. Finding aids created by Harvard libraries are displayed in OASIS (Online Archival Search Information System). Collections are described with the XML/EAD authoring tool currently in use by the section. The Houghton EAD Template, Houghton EAD front matter guidelines, and the Houghton EAD container listing guidelines should be consulted for general guidelines on how to proceed, noting, of course, that each collection is unique and may require varied approaches and/or modifications. The Senior Manuscript Cataloger may be consulted as necessary for advice on how to proceed in setting up the finding aid. There are also General notes on creating a finding aid that may be useful for learning variant practices.

Workflow:

If your collection does not already have a call number assigned to it, assign a call number using the Excel spreadsheet H:\HOUGHTON\Technical Services\MS Section\MS Shelf-list\Manuscript shelf-list.xslx
It is recommended that you create your finding aid in the Groups drive, in your INBOX, and not on your I: drive. This will allow others to assist with work on your finding aid, should the need arise.

Utilizing the EAD template, establish the structure of the finding aid using series, sub-series, etc... See the EAD container listing guidelines for assistance with structure and coding.

Describe collection contents as determined and agreed upon in the Processing Plan.

Following Houghton EAD front matter guidelines, fill in the front matter.

Request a unique hou# (eadid) for the finding aid from the OASIS liaison (usually the Senior Manuscript Cataloger).

Proof finding aid by examining it in the public view using the OASIS Preview. Click “browse” button to select relevant finding aid and click "Preview."

Create MARC record in ALEPH for the collection. Consult the Manuscript Section Collection-level manual in this Wiki for assistance.

Using a template: You may use a template supplied by ALEPH, create your own, or use a brief template often shared within our Manuscript Section. This template is named: DACS TC.MRC and is located on the shared drive at:
H:\HOUGHTON\Technical Services\MS Section\MS Documentation

Submit finding aid and MARC record for review by Head, Manuscript Section.

When finding aid and MARC are returned to you, make corrections to your documents and store your final version of the finding aid in your inbox on the H: drive.