Creating the TFC Finding Aid Template

6.2.24

2 hrs.

Using the formatted example provided, I began to create a template that I could use to begin my first TFC Finding Aid. My goal is that this template will also be usable by other students and staff. I also referred to the Society of American Archivists' “Describing Archives: A Content Standard” (DACS) for definitions of some elements to list on the template for clarity.

6.4.24

Weekly Check-In Zoom Call

.75

This week, Ailie and I walked through the MuseumPlus program to help me understand how to navigate the system for information on the designer. We also discussed a few elements of the Finding Aid that may or may not be used differently in the context of the TFC. We also reviewed controlled vocabulary, as the UNT Library system has its own Keywords. We decided I would start in creating a finding aid for Dallas designer Michael Faircloth, and she would send me the name of a second designer that I can begin as soon as that one is completed.

6.5.24

1.25 hrs.

UNT Digital Library training with Hannah Tarver, Supervisor of Digital Projects

I had a very informative session with Hannah Tarver to review the UNT Library Metadata Editing System for the Texas Fashion Collection. There was a lot of material to cover, and it was very interesting. Again, because TFC is a little different, there were a few elements that were different. She also reviewed which fields are required and which ones are not.

It is important to provide better and more consistent search results. The report's description says it best: The guidelines discuss “describing digital objects in a consistent way that ensures long-term preservation, and that provides for optimum searching, discovery, and retrieval of information by users of our heterogeneous digital collections” (Alemneh, D.G. et al., 2006).

Michael Faircloth Finding Aid

6.7.24

3 hrs.

I began utilizing the MuseumPlus program to research all needed elements for Michael Faircloth. I researched the Creation Date, Acquisition Date, and Credit Line/Donor for each item to list each variable. Additionally, I thoroughly read through the description to identify similar materials used in Michael Faircloth’s collections and checked any References or History section notes for additional context. Because this collection is different from manuscripts, there is no specific “arrangement,” but I made note of the object storage location for potential reference.

The most common design element within these designs, which could be used as a keyword, is “hand beading,” found in 10 out of the 28 objects.

Another notable design element I identified was the Egyptian-inspired Usekh collar/necklace, which could be interesting if found in other designers' collections.

Now that I have all of the information in a list, I will complete the FA tomorrow.

6.10.24

6 hrs.

I completed the Michael Faircloth finding aid. I enjoyed compiling all the details of his collection using MuseumPlus, including how they came to be at the collection and who wore some of the outfits. To find details about the outfits, I read through the garment detail construction, fabric information, who donated it and any additional comments and notes.

I began by creating a worksheet and compiling a list of creation dates to identify any bulk dates and the date of accession. Additionally, I started to create a list of relevant subject terms to establish consistency within the TFC. I also conducted a search in the Library of Congress for appropriate subject terms. For example, "hand-beading" was a frequently found element in Michael Faircloth's collection. Although not an authorized term, the Library of Congress lists it as "beadwork." Michael was also a huge supporter and advocate for the LGBTQ community, so I listed that as an important subject term for the TFC collection.

I wanted to explore the use of other elements in the TFC finding aid that utilize DAC's structure and elements. Due to the nature of the collection not being in the form of physical manuscripts and not being stored in a traditional manner, some elements didn't seem applicable. For instance, measuring the "Extent" as per DAC's 2.5 was challenging because the TFC doesn't measure the linear feet of each designer's collection since they are not necessarily stored in files or boxes. Therefore, for this element, I listed "28 objects" instead. Another example is DAC's 3.2 "System of Arrangement," as there are no series or sub-series. Although it's usually required, I excluded this element. While reviewing some collections in the TARO finding aids, I found one that included an "Inventory." So, I added that element and listed out Michael's collection as:

Inventory

24 - Hanging – Designer – F, Normal/ Storage Location

1 - Shoes Box #11, Normal/ Storage Location (2011.026.004)

1 - Dolls Box #3 (2019.031.001)

2 - Study Collection, Normal/Storage location (S2021.011.001, S2007.011.007)

Obviously, I am a novice at writing finding aids, so I am not sure if this is totally 100% sure this is correct or acceptable. Thursday, for my weekly check-in, Ailie and I will review the two Finding Aid Options I created to determine which elements to keep or edit. Attached are the PDFs for the TFC Template I created for use by other students or interns, as well as the completed Finding Aid.