G. Maillard Kesslère photographs, 1925-1952 (bulk 1925-1946) finding aid, NYPL

G. Maillard Kesslère photographs, 1925-1952 (bulk 1925-1946) finding aid

G. Maillard Kesslere Photographs, 1925-1952 (bulk 1925-1946) is located at the New York Public Library.  It is a collection that details G. Maillard Kessele’s profession as a portrait photographer and portrait artist of the entertainment field from 1925-1952.  It also includes biographies of actors who were subjects of Kesslere.  This is a large finding aid and is 38 linear feet and 44 boxes.  I found this finding aid to be a good example of a finding aid but could definitely be improved.

About the finding aid:

The G. Maillard Kesslère photographs, 1925-1952 (bulk 1925-1946) finding aid starts out with information about the repository, the title and dates of the collection and lists processing information.  It then goes on to include a table of content page, which describes where the summary, provenance note, biographical note, scope and content notes, arrangement notes, and series description and container lists are located.  The finding aid goes more into depth about the summary of the finding aid, which includes information on the main entry, title, size, source, an abstract, access information, copyright information, a preferred citation, special formats and an provenance note. The finding aid continues with a long paragraph on the biological note, which discusses George Maillard Kesslere’s life and then has a long scope and content note, which describes what this collection consists of.  The finding aid then discusses the arrangement of the finding aid.  The finding aid is arranged first by portraits of performing arts personalities, 1925-1952, unidentified portraits, 1925-1952, and then biographies, 1951-1952.  For each of these series it includes dates, the size of the series and a description of the series.  The series then describes the container list, which are described to the box and folder level.  In each of the series very few are described at the item level.    I think this finding aid is a great finding aid.  The finding aid goes into great detail to describe the collection but there is definitely some things that could be included that would enhance the user’.

Pros

This finding aid is a great finding aid.  It is easy to find and understand.  The detail in this finding aid is impressive and rich.  I think the summary, biographical note, scope and content note, arrangement and series description are strong and the information is well documented.

Cons

Although this is a great finding aid, I think that if the finding aid went into some more depth it would have been an even richer finding aid.  I was shocked that this finding aid didn’t include any subject headings.  It definitely should have also included either subject headings or at least some related topics!  This finding aid also should have described the material/techniques/ and dimensions of the photographs, the locations of the photographs, and related information such as related finding aids. This would have made it easier for users to search and find this finding aid.   I also think the container list should have had some more item level description. 

Conclusion

Although this was a great finding aid, the G. Maillard Kesslère photographs, 1925-1952 (bulk 1925-1946) finding aid could have been even stronger with more detailed information. 

Citation

G. Maillard Kesslère Photographs, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library.

http://archives.nypl.org/uploads/collection/pdf_finding_aid/kesslere.pdf