Collection

Definition

Collection refers to a larger group of resources with a unique collective title to which the resource being described belongs.

Where Can the Collection Information be Found?

This information comes from the institution or from the project manager.

How Collection Works in the Metadata Form

Screenshot of collection element in metadata editing system.
Parts:

Collection name – drop-down menu

Repeatable?

Yes - to include multiple collections, click ‘Add’ to repeat the field

Required?

Yes (more information)

How Should the Collection be Filled in?

  • Select the correct collection name from the controlled vocabulary

  • When relevant, include multiple collections

  • It is important that the correct collection name(s) be entered for the item

Examples

Photograph: Perini Well #1 Coming In

Collection: ABPHC - Abilene Photograph Collection

Rare book: Rhymes, for infant minds

Collection: UNTRB - Rare Book and Texana Collections

Pamphlet: Control of sugar-beet nematode by crop rotation.

  • Collection: ATOZ - Government Documents A to Z Digitization Project

  • Collection: USDAFB - USDA Farmers’ Bulletins

1936 General Highway Map of Bosque County, Texas

Collection: SG07 - Rescuing Texas History, 2007

Music USA Recording Schedule, 1962-1973

Collection: MLCC - Music Library Conover Collection

Newspaper issue: The Caldwell News and the Burleson County Ledger (Caldwell, Tex.), Vol. 64, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, June 8, 1951

  • Collection: TDNP - Texas Digital Newspaper Program

  • Collection: CNBCL - Caldwell News and Burleson County Ledger:

  • Collection: TFG - Tocker Foundation Grant

Comments

  • Collections are determined based on a large group of related items, intended to facilitate browsing, such as:

    • Topical groupings

    • Historic events

    • Serial sets – especially full runs of a publication during which the title changes

    • Projects sponsored by a grant or special funding

  • In some cases, all items from one institution may also belong to a single collection; however, large, distinctive groups may have their own collection

  • Although some archival collections may have a corresponding “collection,” small collections or archival series may also be represented as series titles

Resources

More Guidelines: