1 Reply Latest reply on Sep 5, 2019 6:18 AM by National Archives Catalog

    transcribing maps

    Trinity Boisvert Newbie
    Trinity Boisvert Sep 4, 2019 3:20 PM

      A page I am transcribing contains a hand-drawn map. Many of the elements in the map are labeled. Do I write down all of the labels/written elements of the map as if they were marginalia? Is that something better dealt with in tags?

       

      Are words within images or photos ever transcribed (ex: if the image was of a person holding a sign at a protest, should the words on the sign be transcribed)?

       

      Thank you for your help.

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        • Re: transcribing maps
          National Archives Catalog Adventurer
          National Archives Catalog Expert Sep 5, 2019 6:18 AM (in response to Trinity Boisvert)

          Thank you for your questions and for your work as a Citizen Archivist.  I think the answer to your question is both.  Typically we suggest tagging the features on a map.  If the map has a title or paragraph explaining the contents, mapamaker, etc. that should be transcribed.

           

          As for the photo question, if you can read a sign and it feels significant, go ahead and transcribe it.  Please include in brackets some description such as [handwritten text on protest sign] along with the actual transcription.

           

          Suzanne Isaacs

          Community Manager, National Archives Catalog

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