Getting Started
Transcription Setup
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Transcription Setup
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You can transcribe either directly from the website or from a downloaded PDF of the digitised images.
Each transcriber will be sent a transcription spreadsheet template and a URL link to a catalogue entry e.g. Save the spreadsheet and please keep the filename as it has been sent to you. The filename is to help us keep track of each different sheet being sent to transcribers. Once you have , please send the file back to us with the same name.
Click on the 'View' button on the catalogue entry, and this takes you to a specific set of images: of entries in a register or corresponding to a box of index cards (known as 'flimsy slips' because they were typically printed on lightweight, ‘flimsy’ paper).
If a 'Content Advisory' message pops up, read the message then click 'Show the Content' in order to load the images into your browser.
We recommend that if possible you transcribe directly from the Wellcome Collection website, as the images available here are higher quality than those available when you download a PDF. This means that you can expand the image to full screen without loss of resolution using the zoom controls.
Image Number If you decide to transcribe directly from the website, the image number is the number at the top middle of the image viewer window to the left of the '/'.
You may find it more convenient to transcribe from a PDF, which can be used offline or printed out.
To download a PDF of all the images in a register, box or file:
Click on then select ‘Whole item PDF’ from the options presented, and save to your computer or other device in the usual way.
Important note: if you choose to transcribe from PDF, the image number must be transcribed as the PDF page number minus 1, because of the cover sheet added to the PDF.
If you only have one monitor, it may help to arrange your browser / PDF window and the transcription spreadsheet one on top of the other, so that you can see both the digitised images and several rows in the transcription spreadsheet at the same time:
While Wellcome waives copyright in transcriptions completed by staff, a Creative Commons zero (CC0) licence has been applied to allow for individuals outside of Wellcome to work on transcription. The full text of the licence can be found below.
Transcriptions of items held within the Wellcome Collection will only be accepted by Wellcome if provided under a Creative Commons 0 (“CC-0”) licence. This CC-0 licence (also known as a “public domain dedication”) allows you to waive copyright and database interests in the submitted works and thereby to place them as completely as possible in the public domain. Others can freely build upon, enhance and reuse your contributions for any purposes without restriction under copyright or database law. It also means that Wellcome can share your submitted transcription with Wikidata.
If you have any questions regarding the CC0 licence, please get in touch via Teams.
Wellcome is committed to safeguarding your personal information in accordance with data protection law. Our privacy statement () explains how, and on what legal basis, we collect, store, and use any personal information which you share with us in connection with your sharing transcriptions with us.
