The level and form of description for objects in archival collections depends on their format and arrangement within a separate series. Oftentimes objects benefit from specific descriptions because they usually do not have corresponding texts that identify them. Archivists should consider the following attributes when thinking about objects in a collection:
- Description (what is its purpose, condition/age, and aesthetics?)
- Identification (how does the object relate to other materials of its type?)Construction (how was the object made?)
- History (what is the provenance of the object?)
- Location (how does this object relate to other objects and materials in the collection?)
- Distribution (where is this kind of object found, and is it common?)
- Significance (what meaning did users assign the object?)
- Interpretation (what does the object document in relation to the larger collection or archival context?
Describe most objects sparingly in a finding aid unless security or curatorial concerns suggest otherwise.