Finding Aid Type

The type of finding aid for the record group, collection, or series being described.

Finding aids are tools that help a user find information in a specific record group, collection, or series of archival materials. Examples of finding aids include published and unpublished inventories, container and folder lists, card catalogs, calendars, indexes, registers, and institutional guides. Formal publications that help a user find information regarding a record group, collection, or series of archival materials are also finding aids.

Finding aids can be created by NARA as well as other Federal agencies, publishers, and private organizations and parties. Finding aids may be accessioned records.

Choose the correct term from the Finding Aid Type Authority List.

If the finding aid is an electronic database, use "Database" as Finding Aid Type. Clarify the scope, nature, and availability of the database in Finding Aid Note. Do not use "Database" if the database is used primarily to produce a printed or otherwise fixed finding aid, such as a folder list; in that case, use "Folder List." Do not use "Database" for word processing or spreadsheet files.

If "Other" is selected, then explain the type of finding aid further in Finding Aid Note.

If a container list has been entered in Container List, do not include it here.

Do not cite the description system itself as a finding aid. Do not cite the Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States as a finding aid.

If Finding Aid Type 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 Finding Aid Type. Consult the Abbreviations section for further guidance on other abbreviation topics.