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Archival descriptions are also known as ‘finding aids‘. They identify and explain the content and context of archival material in order to make it accessible to researchers. A ‘collection level‘ description summarises the content of each collection, this includes background information of the person or organisation who created the material which appears in the fields ‘Administrative history‘ and ‘Scope and content‘. The ‘collection level‘ description also gives information which should enable researchers to identify whether or not the material will be useful to the subject they are interested in. Other information includes the amount of material, language, access conditions, and related materials created by the same individual or organisation. The Virtual Waterways descriptions conform to an international archival standard called ISAD(G), the General International Standard on Archival Description produced by the International Council on Archives.
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The Virtual Waterways database does not include images of archives themselves. It covers descriptions of archival material from documents to diaries and maps and plans. However it does not include photographs, film or sound footage at this stage. To consult the archives described in the database, researchers need to contact the institutions where the material is held. Access conditions differ between institutions. Virtual Waterways descriptions include links to the web pages of the institutions where material is held, which give its location and indicate what documentation you will need to consult the material and whether an appointment is necessary. See also ARCHON on The National Archives‘ website for information on archive repositories. | | |
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Archives are collections of documents produced by individuals, families or organisations (such as local government organisations, companies or universities) during the course of their activities and which have been selected to be kept permanently. Archives come in various formats, including papers, parchment documents, volumes, maps, plans, audio and visual recordings and photographs. They may be of any date up to and including the present day. Archives are retained by their creators, or in record offices and other repositories, for their permanent preservation and their interest for researchers. | |
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The Virtual Waterways database and the archives it describes can be used in many ways: Waterway and transport historians can use it to find out about virtually any part of our waterways history. Local historians can use it to find information about archives relating to canals and their effects on particular towns, villages and other places in England, Scotland and Wales. Family historians can use it to find references to people who worked on or had associations with the canals. Social historians can use it to find information relating to the social aspects of life on the waterways and during the industrial revolution. Teachers, school pupils and students can find details on primary sources and how to use them in our educational resource pages. University and college students and academic researchers, working in history or other disciplines, can use the Virtual Waterways database to find information about archives relating to people, places or subjects they are researching. The Virtual Waterways database is useful for waterway engineers in their general work and any restoration projects currently underway. The Virtual Waterways database is also useful if you simply want to know more about the past, as the database contains information relating to the history of England, Scotland and Wales during the industrial revolution up to the near present day. | | |
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