As well as detailed descriptions of the individual documents, the online catalogue also includes descriptions of entire collections. Archives are usually arranged in collections and then sub-divided into levels. The levels currently used in the catalogue are:

Collection level

A summary of each archive collection, for example a particular organisation such as the Royal Female Orphanage.

Series level (and possibly sub-series)

Each series of records within the Collection. For example the Minute Books or Accounts of the Royal Female Orphanage with their covering dates.

File level

A group of related records within the series. For example the photograph album of the Royal Female Orphanage.

Item level

The smallest archival unit within the series, e.g. a single letter or photograph.

REFERENCE NUMBER (RefNo)

You will need the reference number of a file or item when requesting further information or to view material.