ISAD(G)
International Standard Archival Description (General) or ISAD (G) is an international standard which provides guidelines for creating the content of an archival description.
It promotes the creation of consistent and appropriate descriptions, aiding the retrieval and exchange of information, and the integration of descriptions into a unified information system.
ISAD (G) sets out a list of elements which are considered necessary for an archival description, and rules that should be followed when writing a description. ISAD (G) identifies and describes what kind of information should be included in an archival description and whether this description is in written, printed, or electronic form.
ISAD (G) and the Hub description
The Archives Hub works with Encoded Archival Description. (EAD), and EAD is closely modelled on ISAD (G). This means that if you are creating EAD descriptions to go on the Hub, you are using ISAD (G).
Which ISAD (G) fields are mandatory in Hub descriptions?
ISAD (G) has six mandatory fields at collection level.
- 3.1.1 Reference code
- 3.1.3 Title
- 3.2.1 Name of Creator
- 3.1.3 Dates of Creation
- 3.1.5 Extent of the Unit of Description
- 3.1.4 Level of description
We have not been able to make 'creator' mandatory on the Hub because there are too many descriptions that omit it, but it is highly recommended.
The Archives Hub also asks for three additional ISAD (G) fields which provide essential information for any researchers wishing to view the archival material that is being described.
- 3.4.1 Conditions Governing Access
- 3.4.3 Language of Material
- 3.3.1 Scope and Content
For lower levels of descrption we require:
- Reference
- Title