RLG releases first automated tool for checking EAD finding aids

[Joan Swanekamp <joan.swanekamp@YALE.EDU>]

For library colleagues engaged in Finding Aid activities.  /Joan
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We are pleased to announce an innovative application
for members and the larger the archival community.
RLG's EAD Report Card--the first Web application that
automatically checks the quality of your EAD encoding--
is now freely available.

Created in response to member recommendations, the tool
supplements the award-winning "RLG Best Practice
Guidelines for Encoded Archival Description." Whether or
not you've already been working with these guidelines,
this tool will help quality control and productivity,
by ensuring conformance  with community-wide guidelines.
Once you upload one of your finding aids, the program will
flag any discrepancies. It also cites the relevant part of
the guidelines, so you can fix what you have wrong on the
spot.

Find the EAD Report Card here:

     http://www.rlg.org/en/page.php?Page_ID=20513

The RLG EAD Best Practice Guidelines are here:

     http://www.rlg.org/en/page.php?Page_ID=450

We welcome your feedback on the report card. Tell us what
you think via the feedback link in the EAD Web application,
or send e-mail to Merrilee Proffitt at
mailto:mgp@notes.rlg.org

RLG commissioned the EAD Report Card as part of our
continuing commitment to making archival collections more
accessible on the Web. As part of this we also offer RLG
Archival Resources, a database of archival materials. All
members are encouraged to contribute your finding aids to
this growing resource. To learn how, go to
http://www.rlg.org/en/page.php?Page_ID=117

*****
RLG (www.rlg.org) supports researchers and learners
worldwide by expanding access to research materials held in
libraries, archives, and museums. RLG works with and for its
member organizations enhancing their ability to provide
research resources. RLG designs and delivers innovative
information discovery services, organizes collaborative
programs, and takes an active role in creating and promoting
relevant standards and practices.