Manuscript Tracking Database

From Whitman Archive

The manuscript tracking database currently used by the Whitman Archive, which can be found here, provides an overview of all the objects processed by Archive staff, as well as information on the repositories (or other sources) from which we obtained them. It was originally created to keep track of whether a given document had been transcribed, checked, or made public yet, as well as by whom.

The tracking database is used to manage images and coordinate transcription of all documents featured on the Archive's website, such as poetry or prose manuscripts, contemporary reviews, correspondence, etc.

We are currently in the process of preparing for a transition to a new, much more customized database that would enable us to keep track of more specialized information associated with individual digital objects and their transcriptions. There is a wiki with staff members' suggestions for how to improve this new object management database.

(entry last updated on January 23, 2008)