Reference Code <unitid>

Mandatory

A unique reference for the described materials. Used to create a persistent and unique HTTP URI, or Web identifier.

ISO countrycode (GB); ARCHON repository code; local reference code

The <unitid> should contain the following attributes: (i) the countrycode (ii) the repositorycode (iii) the local reference. The tag content should just be the local reference (see examples below).

The <unitid> must be included at all levels of description

• Divide more than one reference with a comma or semi-colon. Backward or forward slashes may be included.

• Do not make the <unitid> content too long - this is impractical and unfriendly from a user point-of-view and the persistent URL will be even longer.

• The Template provides three boxes: (i) GB - already entered as the default (ii) for the Archon code (iii) for the reference code. It will automatically add country, repository and identifier attributes to the <unitid>

• The template will automatically use the <unitid> content as the <eadid> content and it will create the persistent URI for the description

• Once the persistent ID has been created it cannot be changed in the Editor. You should therefore be sure about your identifier before saving the description.

• At lower-levels the EAD Editor will automatically enter new references, e.g. JoR/1, JoR/1/1, etc. You can overwrite these references with your preferred reference. Remember, they will be used to create URIs at every level of the description.

• The EAD Editor also enables you to add former and alternative references. Read more about the options for current, former and alternative references.

• Add the three attributes of countrycode, repositorycode and identifier to your records in order to enable the Hub to create the URI and use your data for other purposes, such as Linked Data. (You may also add other attributes if you wish to).

• We recommend that you enter the same content into the <eadid>, which is the identifier for the EAD description, in the header of the document.