Functions

Functions are tasks that are undertaken by persons or agencies to achieve a specific outcome. They are typically organised hierarchically, with very general functions at the top level being divided into more specific tasks or actions at lower levels.

In Archive Browser databases, functions may be used to document:

If functions have been used in this way, you may browse the function tree to locate associated materials, persons or agencies.

Because electronic record management systems typically organise documents in a functional hierarchy, archives may employ functions to organise materials sourced from record management systems in the same way, without having to compromise their primary series structure.

However, not all archival catalogues make use of functions, so you may find that menu options for browsing by function are not available.