How should I cite a microfiche source at the (UK) National Archives?

In my research, I have consulted the "Women's Land Army: Index to Service Records of the Second World War" held on microfiche at The (UK) National Archives (TNA) (reference MAF421), as described here. The fiche contains a series of index cards (arranged alphabetically by individual's name) and I wish to cite a single card within the series. [The originals of the index cards are held at The Imperial War Museum, and can't be viewed, although the War Museum will provide a photocopy of a card if requested.]

There seem to me to be two possible models I could use as the basis to construct the citation:

  • Fiched manuscript (Preservation copy)
  • National Government Records (Image copies; Publication Style citation)

The Preservation copy route seems appropriate, as this is (as far as I know) the only microfiche copy in existence. On the other hand, these are national government records, so maybe that's more appropriate? TNA provide general citation guidance which doesn't really help.

 

Submitted byEEon Mon, 12/17/2012 - 13:28

ColeValleyGirl:

What a fascinating set of records! All the subsets cataloged at http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/s/res?_q=MAF%2059 are a wonderful trove for understanding the lives of women on the British home front in the WWII era.

The description at the TNA link you gave (and other associated links that lie behind that one) do suggest that this fiche is a preservation copy rather than a publication. That conclusion leaves us with two basic issues to consider:

  1. Where must one go to gain access to the fiche?
  2. Where are the original cards and how are they cataloged in that facility?

Have you considered the LAC model for preservation microfilm at EE11.59, p. 629?

 

Submitted byColeValleyGirlon Tue, 12/18/2012 - 04:37

1. To access the fiche, you have to go in person to TNA.

2. The original cards are (reportedly) held at the Imperial War Museum (having been donated to them by TNA). I can't locate them in their online catalogue, so have emailed them to ask.

THe LAC model you suggest does look like a good option.