Content Description

Definition

A concise, objective, non-critical summary of the content of the moving image Work and/or Variant (FIAF 1.3.6)

CALM	Sierra
Description	Contents (505?)
	Summary (520)
	General notes (500)

How to find information about the content

Information can be found on either:

• the container

• accompanying material

• wrapper of metadata in a digital file

• reported by authoritative secondary sources such as filmographies, censorship visas, etc

Rules

• use clear and objective language

• If description is taken from an external source, include reference

• general observations about recording (e.g. hard to hear after XX:XX:XX due to leaf blower in background)

• Don't just copy the blurb of a DVD

• If cataloguing a physical cassette with clear demarcation of content - use "side A" or "side B" to assist with navigating the item, e.g. :

  • side A contains Interview of Person X and side B contains Interview of Person Y

  • No need to specify side A and B if description will sufficiently apply to both side

• Digitised items can include multiple files per item e.g. :

  • Interview of Person X can consist of 5 files

Specifics to consider for certain genres

Oral history/ Interviews

• Include interviewer name and interviewee

• location

• timestamps with questions if easily discernable

Lectures

• Name of lecturer and topic

• Location

• Timestamps with specific sub-topics if easily discernable

Documentaries

• Identifying specific events, people or ideas

• Timestamps with specific sub-topics if easily discernable

• Note the level of detail presented on the topic (e.g. is it a high level overview or detailed exploration?)

Reference/teaching

• Identify main topics covered if this is not clear from the title, include timestamps where possible

• Note the educational level (e.g. primary school, secondary school, university)

Examples

Oral History/Interviews

Lectures

Documentary

Reference/teaching