CIDOC Guidelines for Museum Object Information: Recorder Information Group

This page is part of the International Guidelines for Museum Object Information: The CIDOC Information Categories: a description of the Information Categories that can be used when developing records about the objects in museum collections. For an outline of the Information Groups and Categories in the Guidelines, turn to the introductory list.

Recorder Information Group

Purpose:

Recorder information supports Security, Accountability, Access, and an Historic archive. Without this information it is not possible to establish when object information was created or establish the accuracy of the information, both of which are essential for maintaining inventory control and supporting research activities. It can help prevent unauthorized alteration of documentation.

Information categories:

Recorder
Record date
Authority

Examples:

Recorder: Legrand, M
Record date: 1992-04-23
Authority: Delahaye, F

Notes:

• Recorder information can be assigned to the documentation as a whole, or repeated for specific parts of the documentation. Normally the Recorder Information should be repeated in association with each Information Group.

Recorder

Definition:

The name of the person recording an Information Group or Category.

Examples:

Smith, R.G.

Notes:

• It is recommended that a controlled list of authorized names is used for this Information Category. Refer to the "Content and terminology control" section in the Introduction for further guidance on sources of controlled terminology.

Move to beginning of Recorder

Record date

Definition:

The date of creation/modification of an Information Group or Category.

Examples:

1989-01-23

Notes:

• Always use the same format when recording dates.
• Always record all four digits for the year of a date, e.g., 1994, not '94.

Move to beginning of Recorder

Authority

Alternate names:

Information source

Definition:

The person or reference providing the information recorded in the Information Group or Category.

Examples:

Smith, W.G.

Notes:

• It may be necessary to use controlled terms for this Information Category. Refer to the "Content and terminology control" section in the Introduction for further guidance on sources of controlled terminology.

Move to beginning of Recorder

Move to outline of the Information Groups and Categories or the next section of the Guidelines, Reference

file: guiderec.htm; author: CIDOC; updated June 1995