Understanding your WESTCAT results
The WESTCAT hitlist
If your search is successful, as with any database or search engine search, your results will be presented to you as a hitlist. This consists of the following:
- The hitlist number
On the far left of the screen in square brackets. Click on this number to get more detailed information about that particular hit (where available) - The FindingNo
This is the number you will need to use when you request the document/item at the Archives Centre, or in any communication with us. - The Title
This is the brief title of the collection, group of material or individual record concerned. - Date
This is the date of the material concerned (where available).
To find out more about a particular entry click on the hitlist number and you will be taken to the Archives Search Detail screen.
Archives Search Detail
On this page you are first given a brief outline of the higher levels (e.g. Fonds) in the catalogue for the record you are looking at. Then you are given more detailed information relating to the record itself. This usually consists of:
- Level
This is the archival term for where the record can be found in the catalogue structure. The levels currently used in the catalogue are Fonds, which is a description of the collection as a whole (e.g. the records of a particular business), and SubFonds, which is a record of a subsidiary part of an archive collection. - SystemID
Providing a link to the full catalogue of a particular collection. Take care not to confuse this number with the FindingNo when requesting a particular document. - FindingNo
The reference you will need when requesting further information or to view material. - Extent
The amount of material being described. - Description
More detailed information about the collection, an indication of related material in other collections, administrative or biographical information and information about any conditions of use or access restrictions.
