The literature of “Best Practices” emphasizes the importance of an
“Advisory Council”, and the involvement of key stakeholders, to
provide feedback and insight into the successes and challenges of an
evolving project (e.g. Chapman, 2000). Our students have exceeded
every expectation in this regard, and reinforce the importance of input
from a variety of stakeholders in the advisory process. Subject
headings and description have expanded from an initial focus on
canal-specific characteristics (e.g. tugboats, locks), to many attributes
of the environment and daily life in early 20th century New York.
Detailed rules and guidelines provide standardized descriptions
(developed by the students) of trademarks, logos and postmarks and
ensure consistency with AACR2 and other standards.