This specific nomenclature likely refers to a system of categorization or identification, possibly within a collection, archive, or database. The alphanumeric string suggests a structured approach, where “199” could represent a category, series, or year, while “n” might signify a subsection or specific item number. The “e” potentially indicates an electronic version or format, distinguishing it from a physical artifact. A similar structure can be observed in library cataloging, archival systems, or online databases.
Precise and systematic labeling offers numerous advantages. It facilitates efficient retrieval and organization of information, enabling quick access to specific items. Such a structure also supports research and analysis by providing a consistent framework for comparing and contrasting items within a collection. Historically, structured cataloging systems have been crucial for managing large volumes of information, evolving from manual card catalogs to sophisticated digital databases. This evolution reflects the increasing need for efficient information management in the digital age.
Understanding this organizational method allows for more effective navigation and utilization of the associated resource. This foundation is essential for exploring the specific content associated with the designated item, whether it involves a historical image, a piece of correspondence, or other forms of documented information. Further investigation into the context of this identifier within its parent system will provide a richer understanding of its significance and the information it represents.
Tips for Utilizing Archival Identification Systems
Effective use of archival identification systems, such as the one exemplified by “199n e postcard,” is crucial for efficient research and information retrieval. The following tips provide guidance on navigating and interpreting these systems.
Tip 1: Deconstruct the Identifier: Each element within the identifier likely holds specific meaning. Analyze each component (numeric, alphabetic) individually to understand its potential significance.
Tip 2: Consult the Relevant Database or Archive: The originating institution or platform (library, museum, archive) will possess documentation explaining their specific identification system. Refer to their guidelines for accurate interpretation.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Context: The surrounding information presented alongside the identifier often provides valuable clues about its meaning and relevance. Examine related metadata or descriptive text.
Tip 4: Utilize Search Filters: Most digital archives offer advanced search functionalities. Use specific elements of the identifier (e.g., the numeric portion) as search terms to narrow down results.
Tip 5: Note Variations: Observe how the identifier structure changes across different items within the collection. This helps deduce the logic behind the system and identify related materials.
Tip 6: Seek Assistance from Archivists or Librarians: When encountering difficulties, consulting archival professionals can provide expert guidance on interpreting specific identification systems and locating desired information.
By adhering to these practices, researchers can significantly enhance their ability to navigate complex archival systems, ensuring efficient and targeted access to relevant resources. This methodical approach fosters a deeper understanding of the archival context and the information it holds.
Understanding and effectively using archival identification systems provides a foundation for meaningful engagement with historical materials and facilitates more comprehensive research outcomes.
1. Cataloging System
“199n e postcard” exemplifies the importance of a robust cataloging system within archival and collection management. Effective cataloging ensures efficient retrieval and organization of items, enabling researchers and users to quickly locate specific materials. Understanding the structure and logic of the cataloging system is crucial for interpreting identifiers like “199n e postcard” and navigating the collection effectively.
- Structure and Organization:
Cataloging systems provide a structured framework for organizing items based on relevant criteria, such as subject, date, creator, or format. This structure, often hierarchical, allows for efficient browsing and searching. “199n” likely represents a specific location within this hierarchical structure, enabling precise identification within a larger collection. Libraries, for example, use the Dewey Decimal System to categorize books, facilitating efficient retrieval.
- Unique Identification:
Each item within a cataloged collection receives a unique identifier, distinguishing it from all other items. “199n e postcard” serves as such an identifier, allowing for precise retrieval of a specific digital postcard. This uniqueness prevents ambiguity and ensures that users access the exact item they seek. Museum artifact accession numbers function similarly, uniquely identifying each piece in a collection.
- Metadata and Description:
Cataloging systems incorporate metadatadescriptive information about each item. This metadata, often linked to the unique identifier, provides context and facilitates searching. While “199n e postcard” provides the identifier, associated metadata (e.g., date, sender, recipient, subject) would enrich understanding of the postcard itself. Online library catalogs offer metadata like author, title, and publication date, facilitating book discovery.
- Accessibility and Retrieval:
Efficient cataloging directly contributes to improved accessibility and retrieval of materials. A well-structured system allows users to quickly locate desired items, maximizing the usability of the collection. “199n e postcard,” by functioning as a precise identifier, streamlines the retrieval process within a digital archive. Search engines, indexing web pages, provide analogous functionality, enabling efficient information retrieval on the internet.
These facets of a cataloging system demonstrate the significance of “199n e postcard” as more than just a label; it represents a point of access within a structured information environment. Comprehending the underlying cataloging principles allows researchers to effectively navigate and utilize the associated collection or archive, extracting meaningful insights from the materials within.
2. Digital format
The “e” within “199n e postcard” signifies its digital format, a crucial aspect for understanding its accessibility and preservation. Digital formats offer distinct advantages over physical artifacts, particularly within archival contexts. Exploring the facets of digital formats illuminates the implications for “199n e postcard.”
- Accessibility and Distribution:
Digital formats facilitate widespread access to materials. Unlike a physical postcard requiring physical presence, “199n e postcard,” as a digital entity, can be accessed remotely by multiple users simultaneously. This accessibility expands research opportunities and allows for broader engagement with historical materials. Project Gutenberg, digitizing public domain books, exemplifies the accessibility benefits of digital formats.
- Preservation and Longevity:
Digitization contributes significantly to the preservation of fragile materials. While a physical postcard is susceptible to damage or degradation, its digital counterpart, “199n e postcard,” can be preserved indefinitely through backups and format migration. This ensures long-term access and reduces the risk of loss due to physical deterioration. National archives digitizing historical documents exemplify this preservation strategy.
- Searchability and Analysis:
Digital formats enable advanced search functionalities. Optical character recognition (OCR) can make the content of “199n e postcard” text-searchable, facilitating research based on keywords or specific phrases. This contrasts with physical postcards requiring manual examination. Digitized newspaper archives, searchable by keywords, demonstrate this advantage.
- Manipulation and Enhancement:
Digital images can be enhanced and manipulated for improved clarity and analysis. “199n e postcard,” as a digital image, could undergo image processing to enhance faded text or correct distortions, revealing details obscured in the physical artifact. Forensic image analysis utilizes similar techniques for investigative purposes.
These facets highlight the significance of “e” within “199n e postcard.” It transforms a physical artifact into an accessible, preservable, and analyzable digital resource, significantly expanding its research potential and contributing to its long-term preservation. This transition reflects the broader shift towards digital archives and the advantages they offer for managing and accessing historical materials.
3. Unique Identifier
Within the context of “199n e postcard,” the concept of a unique identifier plays a crucial role in distinguishing this specific item within a larger collection or database. This identifier facilitates efficient retrieval, organization, and analysis of the digital postcard, highlighting its significance as a distinct entity. Understanding the components and functionality of this unique identifier is essential for effective engagement with digital archival systems.
- Specificity and Differentiation:
A unique identifier, like “199n e postcard,” serves to isolate a particular item from all others within a collection. This specificity is paramount in managing large datasets, ensuring that researchers access the exact information they seek. Similar to a product serial number differentiating individual units, “199n” pinpoints a specific postcard within a potentially vast digital archive.
- Retrieval and Access:
Unique identifiers facilitate streamlined retrieval within databases and archival systems. Using “199n e postcard” as a search query allows for immediate access to the specific digital postcard, eliminating ambiguity and reducing search time. Analogously, a library catalog number enables direct retrieval of a specific book from the library’s collection.
- Data Integrity and Management:
Employing unique identifiers contributes to maintaining data integrity by preventing duplication and ensuring each record represents a distinct item. This practice enhances the reliability and usability of the archive. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) provide a comparable example, uniquely identifying each vehicle for registration and tracking purposes.
- Interoperability and Linking:
Unique identifiers can facilitate connections between related information across different systems. “199n e postcard” could potentially link to other related records, such as sender information or historical context, enriching the understanding of the item. URLs, functioning as unique identifiers for web pages, enable hyperlinking and seamless navigation across the internet.
These facets demonstrate the crucial role of a unique identifier like “199n e postcard” within a digital archive. It enables precise retrieval, efficient management, and potential linkages to related information, enhancing research capabilities and ensuring the long-term accessibility and integrity of the digital postcard within the broader collection.
4. Specific Item
The designation “199n e postcard” signifies a specific item within a larger collection, distinguishing it from other similar items. This specificity is crucial for accurate retrieval and analysis. Understanding the characteristics that define “199n e postcard” as a specific item clarifies its significance within an archival or database context.
- Unique Identification:
The alphanumeric string “199n” acts as a unique identifier, isolating this particular digital postcard from others. This precision is analogous to a specific product serial number, differentiating it from other units of the same product. This unique designation ensures that researchers access the precise item relevant to their inquiry.
- Individual Characteristics:
As a specific item, “199n e postcard” possesses distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other postcards. These characteristics could include the sender, recipient, date, message content, and imagery. Similar to how individual paintings within an artist’s oeuvre are distinguished by their unique composition and subject matter, this postcard holds unique historical and contextual information.
- Discrete Data Record:
Within a database or archival system, “199n e postcard” represents a discrete data record. This record contains all information pertaining to this specific postcard, including its metadata and associated digital image. Just as a patient’s medical record contains their specific health information, this record encapsulates all data related to this particular postcard.
- Archival Context:
While unique, “199n e postcard” also exists within a larger archival context. Understanding its position within the broader collection and its relationship to other items enriches its interpretative value. Similar to how an archaeological artifact gains meaning from its excavation site and surrounding artifacts, the archival context of this postcard provides crucial background information.
These facets underscore the significance of “199n e postcard” as a specific item within a larger collection. Its unique identifier, individual characteristics, discrete data record, and archival context contribute to its research value and allow for precise retrieval and analysis. This specificity is foundational for effective engagement with digital archival systems and enables researchers to extract meaningful insights from individual items within a larger historical narrative.
5. Archival Context
Archival context provides essential background and meaning to individual items within a collection, such as “199n e postcard.” Understanding this context is crucial for accurate interpretation and meaningful analysis. It illuminates the relationships between items, clarifies their significance, and provides a framework for understanding their historical and cultural relevance.
- Collection Scope and Focus:
The scope and focus of the archive holding “199n e postcard” significantly influence its interpretation. A collection focused on local history, for example, would frame the postcard differently than a collection dedicated to postal history or a specific artist. Similar to how a specific genre influences the interpretation of a film, the archival collection provides a thematic lens.
- Relationships Between Items:
Archival context reveals relationships between items within a collection. “199n e postcard” might be part of a series, related to other correspondence, or associated with specific individuals or events. These connections, analogous to chapters in a book contributing to the overall narrative, enrich understanding and provide deeper insights.
- Provenance and Acquisition:
The provenance and acquisition history of “199n e postcard” contribute to its archival context. Knowing how the postcard entered the archivedonation, purchase, or other meanscan provide crucial information about its authenticity, significance, and potential biases. Similar to how an artwork’s provenance impacts its value and interpretation, the acquisition history of the postcard informs its archival significance.
- Cataloging and Metadata:
The archival context includes the cataloging and metadata associated with “199n e postcard.” This information, including descriptions, keywords, and dates, provides crucial details for understanding the postcard’s content and historical context. Just as a museum label provides information about an exhibit, the metadata associated with the postcard enhances its interpretability.
These facets of archival context highlight the interconnectedness of information within a collection. “199n e postcard,” when viewed within its archival context, gains deeper meaning and significance. Researchers must consider these contextual factors to fully understand the historical, cultural, and personal narratives embedded within individual items like this digital postcard.
6. Retrieval Efficiency
Retrieval efficiency is paramount within digital archives, directly impacting research efficacy and user experience. “199n e postcard,” functioning as a unique identifier, plays a crucial role in optimizing retrieval processes. Understanding the connection between efficient retrieval and this specific identifier clarifies its importance within the broader context of information management.
- Unique Identification:
Unique identifiers like “199n e postcard” facilitate precise and rapid retrieval. Eliminating ambiguity inherent in descriptive searches, the identifier directly pinpoints the desired digital object. This targeted retrieval contrasts sharply with keyword searches, which can yield numerous irrelevant results. Analogous to a house address precisely locating a specific dwelling among many, “199n” isolates the desired postcard within a potentially vast digital archive.
- Database Structure:
Efficient retrieval relies on a well-structured database. “199n e postcard” likely integrates into a hierarchical database structure, enabling systematic searching and filtering. This structured approach, similar to a library’s Dewey Decimal System organizing books by subject, facilitates targeted retrieval based on identifier components. This contrasts with unstructured data, where locating specific information becomes significantly more challenging.
- Metadata Enhancement:
While the identifier itself enhances retrieval, associated metadata further optimizes the process. Metadata linked to “199n e postcard”such as date, sender, or subjectprovides additional search parameters, refining retrieval based on specific criteria. Just as online retailers utilize product categories and attributes to facilitate searches, metadata complements unique identifiers, enabling granular retrieval within digital archives.
- System Optimization:
Retrieval efficiency depends on the underlying archival system’s technical capabilities. Optimized systems leverage indexing, search algorithms, and database architecture to expedite retrieval based on identifiers like “199n e postcard.” Similar to a well-maintained vehicle responding promptly to driver input, an optimized archival system ensures rapid access to digital objects via their unique identifiers.
These facets highlight the symbiotic relationship between “199n e postcard” and retrieval efficiency. The unique identifier, coupled with a robust database structure, enhanced metadata, and an optimized system, ensures rapid and precise access to the desired digital postcard. This efficiency is crucial for effective research and underscores the importance of structured identification systems within digital archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding archival identification systems, using “199n e postcard” as an illustrative example. Clarity in understanding these systems is crucial for effective research and information retrieval.
Question 1: What does “199n e postcard” represent?
“199n e postcard” likely denotes a specific digital postcard within a structured collection or database. “199n” functions as a unique identifier, while “e” signifies its electronic format. This structured nomenclature facilitates efficient retrieval and organization within digital archives.
Question 2: How does one locate the postcard using this identifier?
The identifier should be searchable within the relevant database or archive. Consult the host institution’s documentation or platform guidelines for specific search instructions. Advanced search functionalities often allow for targeted retrieval using specific identifier components.
Question 3: What is the significance of the “e” designation?
The “e” indicates the postcard’s existence as a digital object, distinguishing it from a physical artifact. Digital formats offer advantages in accessibility, preservation, searchability, and analytical capabilities, expanding research potential and ensuring long-term availability.
Question 4: What if the identifier yields no results within the archive?
Verify identifier accuracy and consult the archival institution’s documentation or support resources. Variations in nomenclature or system updates may require adjustments to the search strategy. Archivists or librarians can provide expert guidance.
Question 5: How does this system benefit archival management?
Structured identification systems, exemplified by “199n e postcard,” enable efficient organization, retrieval, and preservation of archival materials. They establish a standardized framework for managing large collections, facilitating research and ensuring long-term data integrity.
Question 6: How does understanding archival context enhance interpretation?
Archival context, including the collection’s scope, item provenance, and associated metadata, provides essential background for interpreting individual items. “199n e postcard” gains richer meaning when considered within its historical and archival context, revealing its significance within the larger narrative.
Precise identification systems are fundamental for effective navigation and utilization of digital archival resources. Familiarity with these systems significantly enhances research capabilities and facilitates engagement with historical materials.
For further information or specific research inquiries, consult the relevant archival institution or platform.
Conclusion
Systematic identification within archival systems, exemplified by “199n e postcard,” represents a critical component of effective information management. Exploration of this nomenclature reveals its likely function as a unique identifier within a digital archive, facilitating efficient retrieval and organization of a specific digital postcard. Analysis of the identifier’s components, coupled with an understanding of digital formats, archival context, and retrieval efficiency, underscores the importance of precise and structured labeling within large collections. The “199n e postcard” designation demonstrates the broader shift towards digital archiving and its impact on accessibility, preservation, and research methodologies.
Effective utilization of archival resources hinges upon comprehension of underlying organizational principles. Precise identification systems, such as the one exemplified, empower researchers to navigate complex information landscapes and extract meaningful insights from historical materials. Continued development and refinement of these systems remain essential for ensuring the accessibility and preservation of cultural heritage in the digital age. Further investigation into specific archival practices and evolving digital technologies will contribute to enhanced information management and facilitate deeper historical understanding.
