The How and Why of Cataloging AHAP Collections
The most important thing necessary for cataloging an archival collection is to learn
as much as possible about the collection. Who originated the collection? When was
it donated to AHAP? How large is the collection? Who donated the collection? What
is the range of dates covered in the collection? What materials are in the collection?
These are all questions that must be answered before a catalog record can be created.
This involves reading all of our administrative records regarding a particular collection
as well as reading through the finding aid and ascertaining the major subjects and people
who appear within the collection – these will become subject headings for the cataloged
record. Essentially, the goal is to include as much information about the collection as
possible within the catalog record in order to provide a useful and clear description of
the collection for the potential researcher.
Once cataloged, the archival collections appear in The University of Akron Library’s online
public access catalog (OPAC), as well as in OhioLINK and WorldCat. Appearing in these library
databases will increase access to the archival collections. Library databases are where most
faculty and students initiate their research. Representation of the AHAP collections in these
databases will alert more people to what is housed and available to researcher here at AHAP.
Ultimately, our goal is to inform any researcher who can benefit from any of the materials
housed at AHAP of their existence and availability here.
Follow this link for a list of
AHAP cataloged collections.