Item

---

• Definition: An item is simply the individual record (letter, map, journal, ledger, cassette, photograph). It is the lowest level of description and the smallest intellectual entity within a fonds useful for descriptive purposes.

• Single items may be filed chronologically, alphabetically, geographically, or by physical needs or type.
  • Example: Letters in a folder might be filed chronologically by date
  • Example: Maps might be filed geographically or by size
  • Example: Photographs might be stored by type, such as negatives or prints.

Example A: A Corporate Fonds
Example B: A Manuscript Fonds

---

Back to Levels of Arrangement
Back to Lecture Outline
Back to Course Outline