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Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections (DUASC) has been producing Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids to describe its archival collections since 2003. The EAD descriptions started as a way to convert the collection of print and electronic (Microsoft Word and WordPerfect) finding aids into a stable, software neutral format. As the collection of finding aids grew, it became apparent that we needed a way to search these documents beyond what was possible via a basic browse on the DUASC website. As a result, we embarked on a systematic crosswalk of the EAD finding aids into MARC 21 format for inclusion in the Novanet library catalogue. This has facilitated searching and discovery of the materials by a much broader audience of Dalhousie University Library users as well as users from all of the other Novanet member libraries in Nova Scotia and the general public. This article describes the primary motivation for the project and the technical aspects of converting the EAD finding aids into MARC 21 format for inclusion in the Novanet catalogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archives provide an important service in the preservation of our heritage, but the core archival processes involved in making literary papers accessible are essentially invisible to researchers. This essay outlines issues relating to archival appraisal, arrangement, and description because these processes directly affect the organization and subsequent interpretation of archival materials. What materials have archival value? How does an archivist respect original order while ensuring organized access? To what extent can and should finding aids as well as facsimiles of documents be made available in digital format? Discussion of these questions is illustrated with examples from Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections' literary holdings, which include the papers of William R. Bird, Frank Parker Day, Thomas Head Raddall, and Budge Wilson. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]