Appendix A - Society of American Archivists

known to be either one of twoyears, record the date in the form[year] or [year].● If the year can only beapproximated, record the date inthe form approximately [year].9.13 Isn’t it possible that the exact yearis known but not the exact monthand day is known? No examplesshow this and the rules make itseem like if I do not know the yearmonth day then it should berecorded as approximate.9.13 For persons, record their date ofbirth and/or date of death. Whereexact dates are not known, recordapproximate dates.1884 May 8 (date of birth)1796? (date of birth)1501 or 1507 (date of birth)1826 July 4 (date of death)approximately 1945 January (dateof death)9.14. For persons, if both the dateof birth or date of death areunknown, record floruit (period ofactivity) dates. If specific years ofactivity cannot be established,record the century or centuries inwhich the person was active.1841-187412th century”Change madeChange madeComment: I’m puzzled/troubled bythe use of “exact dates” to meanexact day. Many of the sourcesavailable to a cataloger will giveonly a year of birth and/or death.These are not questionable oruncertain or approximate dates.Seems like this is setting anunrealistic standard for what sortof information will be available to acataloger. Also: if your month oryour day is probable, wouldn’t thequestion mark go after theAction: DACS Revision Page 75 of 158 0113-II-A-DACS