Cataloguing is the process by which archivists organise and describe a collection of related documents. As part of the process, we respect and reflect the original order of the records. We also reflect and respect the ‘provenance’ of the collection. In other words, where the collection came from, why it was created and how it was used.
Our cataloguing priorities
We use a formal approach to assessing records for cataloguing each year. This involves a ‘cataloguing matrix’ that is based on several criteria, including access restrictions, the likelihood of user demand, the complexity of the collection and partnership commitments.
Cataloguing 2025-2026
A diverse range of collections were catalogued during 2025-2026 including:
- Papers of the folklorist, author and broadcaster Michael J Murphy catalogued as part of the Archives Revealed Now We’re Talking project (D4642)
- A collection of 3,002 35mm slides and digital copies of photographs taken by photographer Albert E McAlpine mainly taken in the 1980's relating primarily to East Belfast. (D4977)
- Church records including 20 volumes digitised as part of PRONI’s Church Records Digitisation Programme.
A full list of private records that were catalogued in 2025 is available to view online.
