Volunteers' guide to recording objects

Roman horse and rider plate brooch recorded on the PAS database

In 2010, Jessica Bryan and Jen Jackson wrote the extremely useful Portable Antiquities Scheme Volunteer Recording Guide. Since then the database has undergone several changes and an updated version has been produced for 2017.

This guide introduces volunteers and self-recorders to the Portable Antiquities Scheme's website and database, and explains how they can record finds directly onto the database. It provides a quick reference guide to how to use each field in a record, to complement the training offered by the Scheme to volunteers. It covers the find record, details of the findspot, and how to add images and references to the record, and also gives some advice on writing descriptions.

We are currently updating the website to include the updated guide and in the meantime, PDF copies for each chapter are available by following the links below and in the menu on the left or through your local Finds Liaison Officer.

Front cover

Contents

Introduction

Getting started on the database

Using the database to add information

Object identification and description

Taking and editing photographs

Using the database to get information

Guidebook guidance

Back cover