Version 2.1 is a legacy release, and these documents are no longer being maintained.

General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)) data entry and CSV template

On this page you will find:

ISAD CSV template

To download the ISAD(G) CSV template for AtoM 2.0, please visit our wiki page (link to come).

Field descriptions

ISAD is maintained by the International Council on Archives and is available at http://www.ica.org/10207/standards/isadg-general-international-standard-archival-description-second-edition.html.

Information below includes:

  • Template field refers to the default label for that field in AtoM
  • CSV Column refers to the title of the column in the CSV template
  • ISAD Rule refers to the rule from the applicable standard and/or the instructions provided by AtoM.
  • EAD refers to the field mapping to EAD
  • Notes includes any other information needed for successful data entry or CSV import.

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Identity area

An image of the data entry fields in the Identity area.

The data entry fields for the Identity area using the ISAD(G) template, including Identifier, Title, Dates, Level of description, Add new child levels and extent and medium.

Reference code

Template field Identifier

CSV Column identifier

ISAD Rule Provide a specific local reference code, control number, or other unique identifier. The country and repository code will be automatically added from the linked repository record to form a full reference code. (ISAD 3.1.1)

EAD

<archdesc level="[name of level]">
   <did>
      <unitid encodinganalog="3.1.1">

Note

This field displays to non-logged in users as “Reference code.” While editing the record, the full reference code including any identifiers inherited from higher levels will appear below the Identifier field.

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Alternative identifier

Template field Add alternative identifier(s) (link beneath identifier field)

CSV Column Not currently available in AtoM CSV import

ISAD Rule N/A (see note below)

EAD

<archdesc level="[name of level]">
   <did>
      <unitid type="alternative" label="[user entered value]">

Note

The use of the alternative identifier fields is documented in full here:

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Title

Template field Title

CSV Column title

ISAD Rule Provide either a formal title or a concise supplied title in accordance with the rules of multilevel description and national conventions. (ISAD 3.1.2)

EAD

At a parent level:

<archdesc level="[name of level]">
   <did>
      <unittitle encodinganalog="3.1.2">

At a child level:

<c level="[name of level]>
   <did>
      <unittitle encodinganalog="3.1.2">

Note

The EAD tag <titleproper encodinganalog="title"> refers to the title of the finding aid, not the archival description.

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Date(s)

Template field Date(s)

CSV Column creatorDates

ISAD Rule Identify and record the date(s) of the unit of description. Identify the type of date given. Record as a single date or a range of dates as appropriate.” (ISAD 3.1.3) The Date Display field can be used to enter free-text date information, including typographical marks to express approximation, uncertainty, or qualification.

EAD

<archdesc level="[name of level]">
   <did>
     <unitdate encodinganalog="3.1.3">

Note

When entering data manually, users can choose an event type from a drop-down menu. The event types in ISAD(G) are Creation and Accumulation. When importing descriptions via CSV, the event type defaults to Creation.

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Dates of creation- Start

Template field Date(s)- Start

CSV Column creatorDatesStart

ISAD Rule Use the start and end dates to make the dates searchable. Do not use any qualifiers or typographical symbols to express uncertainty. Acceptable date formats: YYYYMMDD, YYYY-MM-DD, YYYY-MM, YYYY.

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <unitdate normal="[start]/[end]" encodinganalog="3.1.3">

Note

This field only displays while editing the description. If AtoM is able to interpret the start date from the Date(s) field, above, it will autopopulate upon entering.

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Dates of creation- End

Template field Date(s)- End

CSV Column creatorDatesEnd

ISAD Rule Use the start and end dates to make the dates searchable. Do not use any qualifiers or typographical symbols to express uncertainty. Acceptable date formats: YYYYMMDD, YYYY-MM-DD, YYYY-MM, YYYY.

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <unitdate normal="[start]/[end]" encodinganalog="3.1.3">

Note

This field only displays while editing the description. If AtoM is able to interpret the start date from the Date(s) field, above, it will autopopulate upon entering.

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Level of description

Template field Level of description

CSV Column levelOfDescription

ISAD Rule Record the level of this unit of description. (ISAD 3.1.4)

EAD

At the parent level:

<archdesc level="[level of description]" relatedencoding="ISAD(G)v2">

At the child level:

<dsc type="combined>
   <c level="[name of level]">

Note

An administrator can edit the values in the Levels of description taxonomy (see: Add a new term). In CSV import, if a term is used that is not already in the taxonomy, it will be added to the Levels of description taxonomy.

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Add new child levels

Add new child widget in ISAD

Template field Identifier, Level, Title, Date

CSV Column N/A - See notes below

ISAD Rule Identifier: Provide a specific local reference code, control number, or other unique identifier.

Level of description: Record the level of this unit of description.

Title: Provide either a formal title or a concise supplied title in accordance with the rules of multilevel description and national conventions.

Date: (Works similarly to the display date field for a date of creation; see above for more information.)

EAD N/A

Note

This widget has been added to help improve workflows when creating new descriptions via the user interface. When entering descriptions manually, users can add new child records in this area while creating a parent record.

The dates field corresponds to a date of creation - if you would like a different kind of date, you will have to either navigate to the child description after saving the new parent record, and change the date type, or simply ignore the date field in the widget, and add the correct date type manually to the child record after saving the new parent record.

In CSV import, adding child records can be achieved using the legacyID and parentID columns. See Legacy ID mapping: dealing with hierarchical data in a CSV.

Extent and medium

Template field Extent and medium

CSV Column extentAndMedium

ISAD Rule “Record the extent of the unit of description by giving the number of physical or logical units in arabic numerals and the unit of measurement. Give the specific medium (media) of the unit of description. Separate multiple extents with a linebreak. (ISAD 3.1.5)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <physdesc>
         <extent encodinganalog="3.1.5">

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Context area

An image of the data entry fields in the Context area.

The data entry fields for the Context area using the ISAD(G) template, including Name of creator(s), Repository, Archival history and Immediate source of acquisition or transfer.

Name of creator(s)

Template field Name of creator(s)

CSV Column creators

ISAD Rule Record the name of the organization(s) or the individual(s) responsible for the creation, accumulation and maintenance of the records in the unit of description. Search for an existing name in the authority records by typing the first few characters of the name. Alternatively, type a new name to create and link to a new authority record. (ISAD 3.2.1)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <bioghist>
      <chronlist>
         <chronitem>
            <eventgrp>
               <event>
                  <origination encodinganalog="3.2.1">
                     <name>

Note

This is the default export EAD when an Entity type has not been set for the actor on the related authority record. The final EAD element can be more precise, if the user has entered an Entity type on the related authority record. When the Entity type is set to Person, the EAD will export using <persname> instead of <name>; when set to Family, the EAD will export using <famname> instead of <name>; and when set to Organization, the EAD will export using <corpname> instead of <name>. The <name> element is the default when no entity type is set. For more information on authority records and the ISAAR standard upon which the authority record template is based, see: Authority records and International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families.

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Biographical or Administative history

Template field Biographical history/Administrative history

CSV Column creatorHistories

ISAD Rule “Record in narrative form or as a chronology the main life events, activities, achievements and/or roles of the entity being described. This may include information on gender, nationality, family and religious or political affiliations. Wherever possible, supply dates as an integral component of the narrative description.” (ISAAR 5.2.2)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <bioghist>
      <chronlist>
         <chronitem>
            <eventgrp>
               <event>
                  <note>

Note

When entering data manually, this field needs to be written in the authority record. If an authority record does not already exist, AtoM will create one when a new creator is entered, above. The user can then navigate to the authority record to enter the Biographical or Administrative history (see: Authority records).

When importing descriptions by CSV, by default this column will create a Biographical history in the authority record, regardless of whether the creator is a person, family, or organization. To specify the entity type when importing creators, users would need to import authority records.

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Repository

Template field Repository

ISAD Rule Record the name of the organization which has custody of the archival material. Search for an existing name in the archival institution records by typing the first few characters of the name. Alternatively, type a new name to create and link to a new archival institution record.

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <repository>
        <corpname>

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Archival history

Template field Archival history

CSV Column archivalHistory

ISAD Rule Record the successive transfers of ownership, responsibility and/or custody of the unit of description and indicate those actions, such as history of the arrangement, production of contemporary finding aids, re- use of the records for other purposes or software migrations, that have contributed to its present structure and arrangement. Give the dates of these actions, insofar as they can be ascertained. If the archival history is unknown, record that information. (ISAD 3.2.3)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <custodhist encodinganalog="3.2.3">

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Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Template field Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

CSV Column acquisition

ISAD Rule Record the source from which the unit of description was acquired and the date and/or method of acquisition if any or all of this information is not confidential. If the source is unknown, record that information. Optionally, add accession numbers or codes. (ISAD 3.2.4)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <acqinfo encodinganalog="3.2.4">

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Content and structure area

An image of the data entry fields in the Content and structure area.

The data entry fields for the Content and structure area using the ISAD(G) template, including Scope and content, Appraisal, destruction and scheduling, Accruals, and System of arrangement.

Scope and content

Template field Scope and content

CSV Column scopeAndContent

ISAD Rule “Give a summary of the scope (such as, time periods, geography) and content, (such as documentary forms, subject matter, administrative processes) of the unit of description, appropriate to the level of description. (ISAD 3.3.1)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <scopecontent encodinganalog="3.3.1">

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Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Template field Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

CSV Column appraisal

ISAD Rule Record appraisal, destruction and scheduling actions taken on or planned for the unit of description, especially if they may affect the interpretation of the material. (ISAD 3.3.2)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <appraisal encodinganalog="3.3.2">

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Accruals

Template field Accruals

CSV Column accruals

ISAD Rule Indicate if accruals are expected. Where appropriate, give an estimate of their quantity and frequency. (ISAD 3.3.3)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <accruals encodinganalog="3.3.3">

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System of arrangement

Template field System of arrangement

CSV Column arrangement

ISAD Rule Specify the internal structure, order and/or the system of classification of the unit of description. Note how these have been treated by the archivist. For electronic records, record or reference information on system design. (ISAD 3.3.4)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <arrangement encodinganalog="3.3.4">

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Conditions of access and use area

An image of the data entry fields in the Conditions of access and use area.

The data entry fields for the Conditions of access and use area in the ISAD(G) template, including Conditions governing access, Conditions governing reproduction, Language of material, Script of material, Lanuage and script notes, Physical characteristics and technical requirements, and Finding aids.

Conditions governing access

Template field Conditions governing access

CSV Column accessConditions

ISAD Rule Specify the law or legal status, contract, regulation or policy that affects access to the unit of description. Indicate the extent of the period of closure and the date at which the material will open when appropriate. (ISAD 3.4.1)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <accessrestrict encodinganalog="3.4.1">

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Conditions governing reproduction

Template field Conditions governing reproduction

CSV Column reproductionConditions

ISAD Rule Give information about conditions, such as copyright, governing the reproduction of the unit of description after access has been provided. If the existence of such conditions is unknown, record this. If there are no conditions, no statement is necessary. (ISAD 3.4.2)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <userestrict encodinganalog="3.4.2">

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Language of material

Template field Language of material

CSV Column language

ISAD Rule Record the language(s) of the materials comprising the unit of description. (ISAD 3.4.3)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <langmaterial encodinganalog="3.4.3">
         <language langcode="___">

Note

Use a three-letter language code from ISO 639-2 when importing from CSV.

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Script of material

Template field Script of material

CSV Column script

ISAD Rule Record the script(s) of the materials comprising the unit of description. (ISAD 3.4.3)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <langmaterial encodinganalog="3.4.3">
         <language scriptcode="___">

Note

Use a three-letter language code from ISO 639-2 when importing from CSV.

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Language and script notes

Template field Language and script notes

CSV Column languageNote

ISAD Rule “Note any distinctive alphabets, scripts, symbol systems or abbreviations employed (ISAD 3.4.3)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <langmaterial encodinganalog="3.4.3">

Note

Not intended to duplicate information from language or script, above.

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Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Template field Physical characteristics and technical requirements

CSV Column physicalCharacteristics

ISAD Rule Indicate any important physical conditions, such as preservation requirements, that affect the use of the unit of description. Note any software and/or hardware required to access the unit of description. (ISAD 3.4.4)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <phystech encodinganalog="3.4.3">

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Finding aids

Template field Finding aids

CSV Column findingAids

RAD Rule Give information about any finding aids that the repository or records creator may have that provide information relating to the context and contents of the unit of description. If appropriate, include information on where to obtain a copy. (ISAD 3.4.5)

EAD

<archdesc>
   <otherfindaid encodinganalog="3.4.5">

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Allied materials area

An image of the data entry fields in the Allied materials area

The data entry fields for the Allied materials area in the ISAD(G) template, including Existence and location of originals, Existence and location of copies, Related units of description, and Publication notes.

Existence and location of originals

Template field Existence and location of originals

CSV Column locationOfOriginals

ISAD Rule “If the original of the unit of description is available (either in the institution or elsewhere) record its location, together with any significant control numbers. If the originals no longer exist, or their location is unknown, give that information. (ISAD 3.5.1)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <originalsloc encodinganalog="3.5.1">

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Existence and location of copies

Template field Existence and location of copies

CSV Column locationOfCopies

ISAD Rule “If the copy of the unit of description is available (either in the institution or elsewhere) record its location, together with any significant control numbers. (ISAD 3.5.2)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <altformavail encodinganalog="3.5.2">

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Publication notes

Template field Publication notes

CSV Column publicationNote

ISAD Rule Record a citation to, and/or information about a publication that is about or based on the use, study, or analysis of the unit of description. Include references to published facsimiles or transcriptions. (ISAD 3.5.4)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <bibliography encodinganalog="3.5.4">

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Notes area

An image of the data entry fields in the Notes area

The data entry fields for the Notes area in the ISAD(G) template.

Notes

Template field Notes

CSV Column generalNote

ISAD Rule Record specialized or other important information not accommodated by any of the defined elements of description. (ISAD 3.6.1)”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <note type="general note">

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Access points

An image of the data entry fields in the Access points area

The data entry fields for the Access points area in the ISAD(G) template, including Subject access points, Place access points, and Name access points (subjects).

Subject access points

Template field Subject access points

CSV Column subjectAccessPoints

ISAD Rule N/A

EAD

<archdesc>
   <controlaccess>
      <subject>

Note

The values in this column/field will create terms in the subjects taxonomy where those do not already exist.

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Place access points

Template field Place access points

CSV Column placeAccessPoints

ISAD Rule N/A

EAD

<archdesc>
   <controlacccess>
      <geogname>

Note

The values in this column/field will create terms in the places taxonomy where those do not already exist.

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Name access points (subjects)

Template field Name access points

CSV Column nameAccessPoints

ISAD Rule N/A

EAD

EAD

If the entity type of the actor is not defined as either a person, family, or corporate body:

<archdesc>
   <controlaccess>
      <name role="subject">

For a personal name:

<archdesc>
   <controlaccess>
      <persname role="subject">

For a family name:

<archdesc>
   <controlaccess>
      <famname role="subject">

For a corporate body or organizational name:

<archdesc>
   <controlaccess>
      <corpname role="subject">

Note

The values in this column/field will create authority records where those do not already exist.

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Description control area

An image of the data entry fields in the Description control area

The data entry fields for the Description control are in the ISAD(G) template, including Description identifier, Institution identidier, Rules or conventions, Status, Level of detail, Dates of creation, revision and deletion, Language(s), Script(s), Sources and Archivist’s notes.

Description identifier

Template field Description identifier

CSV Column descriptionIdentifier

ISAD Rule “Record a unique description identifier in accordance with local and/or national conventions. If the description is to be used internationally, record the code of the country in which the description was created in accordance with the latest version of ISO 3166- Codes for the representation of names of countries. Where the creator of the description is an international organisation, give the organisational identifier in place of the country code.”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <odd type="descriptionIdentifier">

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Institution identifier

Template field Institution identifier

CSV Column institutionIdentifier

ISAD Rule “Record the full, authorised form of name(s) of the agency(ies) responsible for creating, modifying, or disseminating the description, or, alternatively, record a code for the agency in accordance with the national or international agency code standard.”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <odd type="institutionIdentifier">

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Rules or conventions

Template field Rules or conventions

CSV Column rules

ISAD Rule “Record the international, national and/or local rules or conventions followed in preparing the description. (ISAD 3.7.2)”

EAD

<eadheader>
   <profiledesc>
      <descrules encodinganalog="3.7.2">

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Status

Template field Status

CSV Column descriptionStatus

ISAD Rule “Record the current status of the description, indicating whether it is a draft, finalized, and/or revised or deleted.”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <odd type="statusDescription">

Note

AtoM uses a taxonomy to determine the value of this field. If you try to import a CSV file using a different term from the taxonomy, the import will succeed, but a null value will be entered for Status (see Bug 6758 . The default terms are Final, Revised and Draft, but can be edited through the Manage taxonomy screen.

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Level of detail

Template field Level of detail

CSV Column levelOfDetail

ISAD Rule “Record whether the description consists of a minimal, partial, or full level of detail in accordance with relevant international and/or national guidelines and/or rules.”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <odd type="levelOfDetail">

Note

AtoM uses a taxonomy to determine the value of this field. If you try to import a CSV file using a different term from the taxonomy, the import will fail (see Bug 6756. The default terms are Full, Partial and Minimal, but can be edited through the Manage taxonomy screen.

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Dates of creation, revision and deletion

Template field Dates of creation, revision and deletion

CSV Column revisionHistory

ISAD Rule “Record the date(s) the entry was prepared and/or revised.”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <processinfo>
      <date>

Note

This is a free text field, allowing users to also write narrative notes about the revision history of the description.

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Language of description

Template field Language of description

CSV Column languageOfDescription

ISAD Rule “Indicate the language(s) used to create the description of the archival material.”

EAD

<eadheader>
   <profiledesc>
      <language>
         <language langcode="___">

Note

In CSV import, use a three-letter language code from ISO 639-2 . When entering data manually, AtoM will offer an autocomplete drop-down list as you type, which will be generated as a three-letter language code in the EAD.

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Script of description

Template field Script of description

CSV Column scriptOfDescription

ISAD Rule “Indicate the script(s) used to create the description of the archival material.”

EAD

<eadheader>
   <profiledesc>
      <language>
         <language scriptcode="____">

Note

In CSV import, use a four-letter script code from ISO 1924. When entering data manually, AtoM will offer an autocomplete drop-down list as you type, which will be generated as a four-letter script code in the EAD.

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Sources

Template field Sources

CSV Column sources

ISAD Rule “Record citations for any external sources used in the archival description (such as the Scope and Content, Custodial History, or Notes fields).”

EAD

<archdesc>
   <did>
      <note type="sourcesDescription">

Note

If there are sources to cite used used in a biographical sketch or administrative history, record these in the sources field for the authority record.

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Archivist’s notes

Template field Archivist’s notes

CSV Column archivistNote

ISAD Rule Record notes on sources consulted in preparing the description and who prepared it. (ISAD 3.7.1)

EAD

<eadheader>
   <filedesc>
      <titlestmt>
         <author encodinganalog="creator">

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Rights area

An image of the data entry fields for the rights area.

The data entry area for the Rights area. Multiple rights records can be added by clicking “Add new.”

This area of the description allows users to enter a rights record compliant with PREMIS. These fields are separate from the ISAD Conditions and access of use area, above, and editing one area does not effect the other. Rights records cannot be imported with descriptions via CSV.

For more information, see Add rights to an archival description.

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Administration area

An image of the data entry fields for the Administration area.

The data entry fields for the Administration area.

Publication status

Template field Publication status

CSV column publicationsStatus

RAD Rule N/A

EAD

<archdesc>
   <odd type="publicationStatus">

Note

In the Global Site Settings, if the default publication status is set to draft, all imported descriptions will be set to draft and the EAD file will have the value “draft” in the <odd type=”publicationStatus”> tag.

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Display standard

Template field Display standard

CSV column N/A

RAD Rule N/A

EAD N/A

Note

This fields allows the user to choose a different display standard from the default template for the shown archival description only, with the option to also change the display standard for all existing children of the description.

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Version 2.1