how to transcribe columnar documents

Thank you for your question. We have a very simple text field for transcribing which does not include formatting for columns, tables, and graphs.  Here are some tips when transcribing charts and graphs:

- Unless it is a very simple table, do not try replicate the layout

- Use vertical lines | to indicate different columns across the row 

- Add description in brackets [ ] to describe any details that are important for someone to understand about the table

- In some cases transcribing tables and graphs may be nearly impossible.  For these, please capture the headings, or column and row headings in the transcription. This work will still help researchers.

Take a look at https://catalog.archives.gov/id/25800239?objectPage=19&objectPanel=transcription for an example of how another user transcribed a chart.

You are welcome to share the URL of the chart you are working on and we can give you specific advice.

Suzanne

Community Manager, National Archives Catalog

The transcription tips in the catalog says to put a period between the column headings, not a verticle line.    It needs to be updated.

Two questions. 1. Do I just put the periods between the column headings or do I put them between columns (. deliminate) on all lines of the data?. 2. How can you tell if it's just a period in the text or the deliminated period?

We have learned by trial and error that the vertical line | works better in columns for just this reason, period can be confusing.  We will work to update our transcription tips with this information we've learned over time.

Suzanne

Community Manager, National Archives Catalog