The National Archives Catalog

Arrangement

Mandatory Repeatable Data Type Authority Level Available A/V Only Public Element
No No Variable Character Length (2000) None Series
File Unit
No Yes

 

Definition: The pattern or ordering sequence, such as alphabetical or chronological, of the archival materials.

 

Purpose: Helps users locate particular archival materials within a series or file unit.

 

Relationship: This element is independent.

 

Guidance:

Enter an arrangement statement that describes the pattern or ordering sequence of the archival materials. Begin the statement with the word "arranged." End the statement with a period. Use the word "thereunder" for complex hierarchical arrangement patterns. If there is no discernible arrangement, then enter the word "Unarranged."

When a digital object is attached to at the file unit level, include an Arrangement to help users understand the order of the archival materials within the file unit.

Be precise and brief. Do not use acronyms or organizational designations that are not defined in either Title or Scope and Content Note. If Arrangement uses an acronym that is not defined in either Title or Scope and Content Note, define the acronym the first time that it is used in Arrangement. Consult the Abbreviations section for further guidance on other abbreviation topics.

 

Examples:

 

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

 

Arranged chronologically by year and thereunder according to the War Department decimal classification scheme.

 

Arranged alphabetically by subject, thereunder by lesson number, and thereunder by slide number.

 

Unarranged.


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