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American Memory DTD for Historical Documents

Background. In its presentation of historical collections, the Library of Congress uses Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) for two types of documents: finding aids and the full texts of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other historical texts. Examples of finding aids that conform to the emerging standard for Encoded Archival Description are available online at this time. Marked-up pamphlet, broadside and book texts are available for a number of collections; see, for example, the National American Woman Suffrage Collection.

Full Text Markup. The Library is converting a wide array of documents to searchable form, including books, pamphlets, legal materials, serial articles and manuscripts. The American Memory Document Type Definition (AMMEM.DTD) was developed to accommodate this broad range of materials by conceptualizing a generalized humanities text, rather than seeking to describe specific document types and subtypes, or text genres. Simple, streamlined models and flexible structure are characteristic of AMMEM.DTD.

Text Encoding Initiative. The American Memory DTD is based on the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), which has established a set of models and guidelines for encoding texts in the humanities. Because the TEI was incomplete at the time AMMEM.DTD was developed and implemented, the Library was unable to ensure full conformance with the TEI application standard.

Work in Progress. Like most DTDs in active use, the American Memory DTD continues to undergo reevaluation and refinement. An effort is underway to determine what modification or documentation is required to bring AMMEM.DTD into full conformance with the TEI. Additional minor modifications are being considered as the National Digital Library Program expands its activity with historical materials throughout the Library. The Library welcomes comments and questions about this work; interested parties should contact The National Digital Library Program: American Memory Help Desk

AMMEM.DTD Files. The American Memory DTD and related files and support documents are all available via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) from the anonymous file server at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The host domain of LC's FTP server is: ftp.loc.gov

    Download the American Memory application,
  1. American Memory DTD
  2. American Memory SGML Declaration
  3. American Memory Tag Library(WordPerfect 6.1 document)
Go to Other American Memory Documents
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