Archivists don't normally indicate storage location in finding aids since this data would make the entire finding aid obsolete as soon as holdings have to be moved from one place to another.  Typically, material is identified by a control number (like a collection number or call number) and a container number (box and/or folder number).  Typically, the control number and box number are recorded in a separate system that associates them with a storage location (such as a room/range/bay/shelf  and/or a barcode).  Some places are small enough or have room enough to store collections in order by the control number, thus "walking" the shelves provides the storage location.

I take it the material does not have any kind of unit identifier (call number / box number)?

Kate

-----Original Message-----
From: Encoded Archival Description List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Randi Knutson
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 5:27 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [EAD] container-type="shelf" ?

Hello and my apologies for a question that has surely been asked and answered. I searched the archive but couldn't find my answer, so here is my
question:

My librarian would like to create a finding aid for her entire library, and this would include content found in other finding aids. A meta-finding aid, if you will. I am just the computer programmer, but it's been left up to me to encode everything and format the xml, so I am bumbling through as best as I can.

She'd like to make the container type = 'shelf'

I'm unable to find documentation that this is a valid attribute. It isn't disallowed though. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!