User Manual: Creating Object Hierarchies

  • Within the Cataloging procedure, users may create object hierarchies
  • To create a broader (parent) or component (child) relationship between object records, first create or edit an object record
  • In this example, we will create object record 2013.001.0001a with broader object 2013.001.0001 and object components 2013.001.0001a.1 and 2013.001.0001a.2
  • 2013.001.0001a is a separable part of 2013.001.0001, and 2013.001.0001a.1 and 2013.001.0001a.2 are non-separable parts of 2013.001.0001a


  • At the bottom of the Cataloging data entry screen is the Object Hierarchy information section



  • To add a broader object to our Primary record, 2013.001.0001a, enter the identification number of broader object 2013.001.0001 into the Broader object field
  • This field uses a predictive-text interface; if the broader Cataloging record already exists, it will appear in the list
  • If it does not already exist, a new record may be created using this interface
  • To create a new, blank, record, select Create new record
  • To create a record that copies data from the Primary record, select Clone current record
  • Select work (separable part) from the Broader object type field



  • To add components to the Primary record, enter the identification number of the component into the Narrower object field
  • In the example to the right, the components do not yet exist
  • Add component 2013.001.0001a.1 to the Narrower object field, and choose Create new record
  • Add a new instance of the Narrower object field, add component 2013.001.0001a.2 and choose Clone current record
  • The record for component a.1 will be blank apart from the ID number, and the record for component a.2 will be a copy of record 2013.001.0001a


  • An object may have multiple components, but only one broader object



  • Hovering over the ID number for either component record will allow the user to pivot to that record.
  • Within the hierarchy section for 2013.001.0001a.2, 2013.001.0001a appears in the Broader object field, and 2013.001.0001a.1 in the Adjacent object field
  • Relationships selected from the dropdowns are reciprocal

  • Record 2013.001.0001a.2 has the object component type Non-separable part, in the example to the right its Broader object has the type work (non-separable part)