[Genealib] Newspaper titles & indexing

[Toni I. Benson]

Paula Manzella wrote:
> Hi,
>
>   We are in the process of re-indexing one of our local weekly newspapers,
> the "Burlington Gazette", for our database, Burlington County Newspaper
> Notices Index < http://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/genealogy/nni/ >.  This newspaper
> was in existence from 1835-1926 and of course, across the years, had
> several title changes.  Our microfilm set is labeled with the main title -
> Burlington Gazette - however the catalog reflects all the titles.
>
>    I'm debating simplifying the indexing process by attributing all
> citations the main newspaper title, Burlington Gazette, instead of to the
> "correct" published title.  This isn't exactly proper indexing standards,
> but it may be easier for customers and staff.   We have one or two print
> newspaper indexes that do this.
>
>    Has anyone done something similar in their indexing projects online? 
> How "bad" would it be in the long run to use the main title?
>
> Thanks for any and all comments,
> Paula Manzella
> Local History & Genealogy
> Burlington County Library
>
>
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>
>   
Dear Paula:

I agree that an explanatory page at the beginning of the index would 
suffice.  As long as those using the index realize its parameters, it 
makes sense to streamline your efforts by using one code.  We actually 
did exactly the same thing with our Southwest Michigan Obituary Index at 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mivanbur/SWMIObitIndex/SWMIObit.htm.  
Following is the paragraph that explains how we handled this issue:

"Please note that the current or last title (for those papers no longer 
in publication)
for each publication is used for each paper regardless of any earlier 
titles.  For
example, the Courier-Leader in Paw Paw has been known by many other names
such as the True Northerner and Free Press, but the CL code has been 
used in
every case to represent that continuous publication.  This was done to 
cut down on the number of codes in the database, but the true title is 
reflected on the obituary itself."

We felt it was more important to make the index available quickly rather 
than being bogged down with coding of the newspapers.  In fact, it can 
cut down on confusion for the user.

I hope this is helpful and I would be happy to correspond with anyone 
with questions about our project.

Sincerely,

Toni I. Benson, Local History
Van Buren District Library
tbenson at vbdl.org
(269)423-4771