StaffGuide: CONTENTdm Cookbook

Recipes for Metadata Entry for the University of Arkansas Libraries

Alternate Title

Field Name: Alternate Title
Requirement: Optional
Repeatable: Yes
Search: Yes
Hide: No
Vocabulary: No
Dublin Core (DC) Mapping: dc.title.alternative
MARC Mapping: 246 [3 ] $a
CONTENTdm Data Type: Text
Dublin Core Definition: An alternative name for the resource.
UA Definition: Any form of the title created or used as a substitute or alternative to the formal title of the resource.
Usage:

Create an Alternate Title to:

  • Record the full title when an initial article ("a," "an," "the") is omitted from the Title element.
  • Provide access when the title recorded in the Title element is not sufficient
  • Spell out abbreviations or numbers used in the original Title.
  • Record a subtitle or additional titles appearing on the resource.
  • Record the second segment of a title that includes an alternative title (two phrases connected with “and,” “&”, “or”).
  • Give a translation of the original Title.
  • Provide access to any title a user might reasonably search under.

Provide significant, unique information in a created Alternate Title so that the item could be identified if it were removed from the collection. Provide information in the order of Who, What, Where, When, if possible, when information is not supplied in other metadata elements.  Do not use abbreviations or square brackets in created titles.

Generally omit from a created Alternate Title terms denoting gender, race, or age, unless this information is considered important to bring out or is needed for context. For existing descriptions that are used as the basis for CONTENTdm metadata, generally remove outdated terms, or, if they are needed for context, update them to current terminology. If there is doubt about current terminology, leave such terms out.

If there are multiple titles, list them in the order in which they appear in the resource, or in order of their importance. Enter them in the same field, separating each entry with a semicolon space.

If a formal alternate title could be considered offensive, give the title as found on the item, but consult the collection curator about what statement should be given in the Notes element. A custom note or the following standard text may be used:

This material depicts ethnic, racial, and gender insensitivity that was once commonplace in American society. Such portrayals were wrong then and are wrong today. While not representing the views of the University of Arkansas today, the item is being presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed.

Refer to element Title for specific instructions on recording data.
Examples:

Title: Context of Freedom

Alternate Title:  The Context of Freedom

 

Title: Talk: Courting, fighting typhoid, and basket suppers

Alternate Title:  Courting, fighting typhoid, and basket suppers

 

Title: Arkansas boys

Alternate Title: Missouri girls; Texan boys; Carolina crew; Mississippi girls

 

Title: Clothes for you

Alternate Title: 4-H clothing demonstration no. 3

Revision Date:

9/26/19