Glossary
This section includes information about the archival terms used in the
catalogue. If there are any other terms which you would like an explanation for,
please get in touch.
Level: This is the archival term for where the record can be found in
the catalogue structure. The levels used in the catalogue are:
- Fonds level: This originally meant "all the files" and refers to
the whole of the records in a collection. The fonds level provides an
overview and a summary of the contents of the archive collection as a whole.
- Sub-Fonds level: A subdivision of the fonds level. The highest
sub-division which corresponds with the administrative sub-division within
the organisation, or reflects a type of record.
- Series level: A series of records within the collection, e.g.
Minutes of the Committee of Management.
- Subseries level: A subdivision of series level, e.g. financial
papers within the Institute of Sociology series.
- File level: A group of related records within a series, e.g. a
photograph album.
- Item level: One item within a series, e.g. a single letter or
photograph.
Reference Number: This is our unique reference to a document or group
of documents. You will need this number to request documents or order any
copies.
Admin History: This field provides background information on a person,
event or organisation which the record relates to.
Access Status: This indicates whether or not it is possible to view
these records. Some records are closed to ensure confidentiality and data
protection or at the request of a private donor. Further information about
closed or restricted records will be provided by the Archives on request.
Extent: This field provides information about the quantity of material
which is being described, e.g. 2 boxes, 1 volume, 3 items.
Copyright: this is a field stating the copyright owner(s). Further
information about copyright permission circumstances for records can be obtained
on request.