The National Archives Catalog

Date Note

 
Mandatory Repeatable Edit Type Data Type Source Level Available Public Element
No Yes Read Only Variable Character Length (400) Catalog Community Member;
NARA Staff Member;
NARA Partner
Record Group
Collection
Series
File Unit
Item
Item AV
Digital Object
Person Name
Organization
Name
Yes

 

Definition: The explanation of various dates or predominant bulk dates or gaps in the record group, collection, or archival materials.

 

Purpose: Alerts users of any gaps in coverage and indicates the dates of the predominant portion of the record group, collection, or archival materials.

 

Relationship: This element is dependent on the other Date Elements. To have Date Note, at least one of the Date Elements must be created.

 

Guidance:

Enter any significant information pertaining to the dates of the record group, collection, or archival materials.

Use this element to explain why uncertainty about the dates of archival materials may exist. Be sure to specifically indicate uncertain or estimated (approximate) dates in the date qualifier elements.

A Date Note will not be required to describe differences between Dates of Recordkeeping and Dates of Records. It is not necessary to explain the distinctions between multiple date elements.

Write in complete sentences. Be precise and brief. Do not use acronyms or organizational designations that are not defined in either Title or Scope and Content Note. If Date Note uses an acronym that is not defined in either Title or Scope and Content Note, define the acronym the first time that it is used in Date Note. Consult the Abbreviations section for further guidance on other abbreviation topics.

 

Example:

 

Dates of Recordkeeping Start Date - 1917
Dates of Recordkeeping End Date - 1970
Date Note - The bulk of these are from the period from 1940 to mid-1960s.


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