Draft index notes for Leeds University Romany Catalogue (published 1962)

Description

Paper index notecards likely used in the process of drafting and arranging the contents of the 'Leeds University Romany Catalogue,' published for the Brotherton Collection in 1962.


[Descriptions of text and items correspond with those published].


12 envelopes: A-Z index by author/title.


Duplicate set of index cards (6 envelopes) is sub-divided as per the sections/classifications of the Leeds University Romany Catalogue:

- Manuscripts (MSS)

- Music

- Correspondence (Letters)

- Transcripts (TSS)

- Drawings and Paintings (D+P)

- Miscellaneaous items (where classifications aren't obvious).


Many include handwritten notes on classification and arrangment.

Provenance

Originally boxed in a cardboard index card -file box. Labelled, "1000" and "6611/382."


Some of the index cards were divided into groups using paper clips - but most had been divided using bands that had perished so sections have been re-arranged as per logical groups by the archivist. [Where there was no logical group these have been listed as 'misc.' and reflect their original order].


Unlikely to have been part of the original deposit by DUR but probably compiled by the sub-librarian D.I Masson as part of arranging the collection for cataloguing in the published Leeds University Romany Catalogue," (1962).


It is likely that Masson used the original, "Catalogue of the Romany Collection, D.U.R" as the source of the information for most of these notes.

System of arrangement

Contents arranged A-Z by author/title. Duplicate set is sub-divided as per the sections/classifications of the Leeds University Romany Catalogue. The contents of the 'Misc' category reflect their original order.

Access and usage

Reproduction

Access

This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.

The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.

Notes on terminology and spellings

 

Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.

 

At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.

 

These can include but are not limited to  those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive  and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).

 

It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:

 

1)  As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma).  Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’

2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.

Users are advised that the content in this collection may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.

Some parts of this collection are in copyright. Photocopies or digital images of the material in copyright can be supplied for private study purposes only. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder’s permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.

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