Help
Basic Guidelines for Transcribing
- Retain original spelling and punctuation.
- If text has a symbol for the word “and”, always use the ampersand (&). Use (+) only in mathematical equations.
- Use square brackets to indicate any general comments you add to the text. Example: [page torn] or [page is written in pencil, faded beyond legibility]
- Type unreadable letters as [-]. Type unreadable lines as [illegible line]. Use no more than three dashes per word, even if there are more than three letters in the word. Example: word could be either "Conestoga" or "Chattanooga" = type C[---]oga
- Type words inserted by the writer above or below the line of text in <angle brackets>. Example: George drove an old <blue> car.
- Type page numbers, including pencilled in page numbers.
- Type a return at the end of each line.
- Use the Tab key for indents.
- Transcribe text that is crossed out.
- Don't worry about indicating styles. (bold, italics, underline, etc..)
Above all, be accurate. Speed is good, but accuracy is best!
Have a specific question the basic guidelines don't answer? Check the FAQ page!
Challenging Tasks
Some tasks might include complex layouts, data in tables or ledgers, upside down text, unfamiliar characters, and other challenges. In general, the goal should be to create a simple, readable transcription of the text.
- Use common-sense to create a basic, readable transcription of the text.
- You can email {{ support_email }} with questions.
- If the transcription task is still too challenging, you can "skip" the task and move on to another task.
Keyboard Shortcuts
- ctrl-d scroll media down
- ctrl-u scroll media up
- ctrl-s save progress
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