https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/files/original/4737357b29d6a6a95a81273965befc4e.pdf 009b993bf4eabef5aedf323dce3cf375 PDF Text Text 1 Application of a Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) in the Chuck Morrison Finding Aid: It is important that the finding aid for the Charles "Chuck" Morrison Photographs and Papers, and for any well-documented archival collection, to adhere to the core principles established by Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), which guides what information must be included in an archival description.1 These principles ensure that the description is accurate, consistent, and provides the essential context required for researchers to understand the materials.2 Foundational DACS Principles Evident in the Finding Aid The entire structure of the finding aid is an application of DACS, but several key principles stand out: 1. The Principle of Provenance (The Creator and Context) This is the most fundamental archival principle. DACS requires a description of the creator(s) of the records to establish their provenance (origin and custody).3 • DACS Application: The finding aid begins by identifying the corporate body or individual responsible for the creation of the records.4 • Morrison Example: The finding aid clearly states the creator as Charles "Chuck" Morrison and includes a Biographical/Historical Note. This note explains his roles as a photographer for the Casper Star-Tribune, a Wyoming State Representative, and a veteran, which establishes the context for why the records exist and their potential research value. 2. Archival Description Expresses Professional Ethics and Values5 DACS emphasizes that description should promote trust, transparency, and equitable access.6 This means being clear about what the archivist knows, the limits of their knowledge, and any actions taken on the collection.7 • DACS Application: This principle is visible in the Administrative Information section. Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library Western History Center 125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming 82601 �2 • Morrison Example: Sections like the Custodial History (who held the records before the archives), Acquisition Information (how the archives received the records), and Processing Information (what the archivist did—e.g., retaining original order, re-foldering, separation of oversized items) all demonstrate transparency and build trust with the researcher. 3. Archival Description is Multi-level8 DACS requires that description move from the general to the specific, relating the entire collection (the fonds) to its internal components (the series and items). This allows researchers to quickly scope the collection's relevance. • DACS Application: The finding aid is organized hierarchically. • Morrison Example: o Collection-Level (Fonds): The top-level description provides a single Title (Charles "Chuck" Morrison Photographs and Papers), Dates (e.g., 1907-1972), and Extent (the size in linear feet). o Series-Level: The collection is broken into major series based on Morrison's different activities (e.g., a "Photographs Series," a "Political Papers Series," and a "Personal Correspondence Series"). o File- or Item-Level: The Container List/Inventory then drills down to list individual folders or boxes within each series, ensuring the relationship between the whole and the parts is maintained. 4. Records, Agents, Activities, and the Relationships Among Them are the Four Fundamental Concepts Archival meaning is revealed through context as much as content. The description must link the records to the people who created them and the activities they performed.9 • DACS Application: This is achieved through the Scope and Content Note and the application of Access Points.10 • Morrison Example: o The Scope and Content Note summarizes the collection's subject matter (e.g., politics, photojournalism, WWII).11 o Access Points (names, subjects, and genres) are created to link the collection to related materials across the institution.12 These would include subjects like "Cole Creek Wreck", "Wyoming State Legislature", and the name "Casper StarCasper College Goodstein Foundation Library Western History Center 125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming 82601 �3 Tribune", demonstrating the collection's relationships to agents (the newspaper, the legislature) as well as activities and events (the train accident). By utilizing the Charles "Chuck" Morrison Photographs and Papers in an archival reading room, a college-level student can develop advanced Primary Source Literacy (PSL) skills across three major domains: Research Strategy, Critical Analysis, and Archival Context. The collection's mix of photographs (visual media) and written records (political and personal papers) provides a rich, multi-format environment for skill development. References Charles "Chuck" Morrison Photographs and Papers, NCA 01.v.1998.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections (Western History Center). Google. (2025). Gemini (2.5 Pro) [Large Language Model]. https://gemini.google.com/app/30ca229f60e659e3?utm_source=app_launcher&ut m_medium=owned&utm_campaign=base_all Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library Western History Center 125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming 82601 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chuck Morrison and Archival Description Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2025-11-09 Description An account of the resource This document outlines the importance that the finding aid for the Charles "Chuck" Morrison Photographs and Papers, and for any well-documented archival collection, to adhere to the core principles established by Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), which guides what information must be included in an archival description. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanz Olson Language A language of the resource ENG