Description
The Archives of Contemporary History describes its archival material according to the international standard ISAD (G). In this way, it supports the communication to historians and to the interested public.
Publication of finding aids
Within the framework of legal regulations, the Archives of Contemporary History publishes the finding aid data compiled by means of indexing on its website, in its virtual information space AfZ Online Archives and on various search portals. The data is continuously supplemented and updated. The printed finding aids can be consulted in the reading room of the Archives of Contemporary History.
Description scope
- Ordering and metadating of a fonds, information on the content, usability and indexing process, which are recorded in the fonds information
- Ordering and recording of the individual dossiers with signature, file title, duration and possible further descriptions in the content field
Description depth
The depth of cataloguing depends on the valuation of the holdings as well as on the thematic relation to the collection's focal points. In order to make newly accessioned holdings accessible within a reasonable period of time, cataloguing is preferably carried out summarily and in the given order. Specific information on the individual holdings that is relevant for use is provided in the holdings information under the heading cataloguing (order and classification).
Classification
The classification provides a systematic structure that reflects the context of origin and facilitates the identification of archival materials. Within the classes, the dossiers are arranged either chronologically, alphabetically or from the general to the particular. The contents of a dossier are arranged chronologically or alphabetically in the interest of simplified use.