How to cite unpublished preservation digital images

I'm crafting a citation for a source that doesn't seem to neatly fit into any of EE's many categories nor into any hybrid combinations. The original record is a straightforward deed that would follow the basic formats in section 10.5. These records have been digitized and made available through computer terminals at the recorder's office but without Internet access. So it would seem that a layered citation is required, but both layers are supplied by the same agency. This is what I came up with as a citation:

San Francisco County, California, Official Records, Book No. 764, p. 191-192, Deed, Hans and Esther E. Nelson to William D. and Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, 12 September 1923, recorded 18 September 1923; digital images, “Official Records, 1919-1980,” Digital Reel Documents, 1906-1999, public inquiry terminal, Office of the Assessor-Recorder, City and County of San Francisco.

On the "home page" of the computer terminal, there is a tab labeled "Digital Reel Documents, 1906-1999," that takes the user to a menu list of available documents. Within that list, "Official Records, 1919-1980," is the collection that contains the deed, by book and page.

Are there any elements missing in this citation? Is an image number needed, if the collection can be easily navigated using book & page?

Submitted byEEon Mon, 08/11/2014 - 14:23

Stanm,

In today's technological environment, adaptation is definitely where the game is—and you've done an excellent job of playing that game. You've analyzed the issues, identified the essentials, and recorded what was necessary for someone who uses your research notes—or you at a later date—to understand what the situation was. If and when you publish your research, you'll likely trim that citation. But, by then, the county office may be using an entirely different system.

 

 

Submitted bystanmon Mon, 08/11/2014 - 14:39

Elizabeth,

Thanks for your comments. It means a lot to your students to get your feedback and reassurance that we are on the right path. 

Stan Mitchell