Transcription Guidelines

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the census data and style of the enumerator, you are ready to start transcribing. There are a few specific guidelines that should be used in transcribing your census data. Please review them carefully.

Copy all information listed on the census form.

Names

Copy exactly as indicated on the film--do not add or shorten any entries. For example, if a name is written as Wm., do not extend to William.

An asterisk (*) should be used to indicate questionable letters in a name. For example: Johns*n, Blackb***

Place Titles such as Jr., Sr., and Dr. at the end of the person's first name.

Individuals with no last name - leave field blank or use NS (No Surname) for persons with no surname listed or NN (No Name) for persons with no first name listed.

Locations

Enter exactly as written on the census page.

If there is a ditto mark (") or "do" entered, enter the original information that is being repeated.