XML finding aids are delivered to XML capable browsers (IE5) using an XSL stylesheet to control display. For non-XML capable browsers, the server converts XML and delivers a HTML version on-the-fly. Access to finding aids is currently limited to internal access via the Intranet and Collection Management System, with limited public access via paper copies of the finding aids in the reading room. By the end of the year there will be public access via a new collection access system opac on our website.
Legacy formats are mostly Microsoft Word or printed and there is little standardization of structure and content. Encoding is done in-house, using XMetal in conjunction with a template created using a CSS stylesheet (to give a basic encoding structure) to guide staff in the markup of finding aids using XMetal. Legacy finding aids are re-authored to bring them in-line with the new template and re-keyed or cut/pasted into the template. New finding aids are authored directly into XMetal. XMetal validates the finding aids against the EAD DTD each time it is saved and options for indexing and searching are currently being explored.