Content
Structure & Materials
Analysing the content or text of an object can seem like the most obvious way to extract information. Yet there are several ways in which the form of object, or the way in which the text is delivered can influence our understanding of it.
The way in which information is organised can give us clues about the anticipated reader of text, and the original purpose of the object. This is more obvious for some objects (including minute books, ledgers, or wage books) than others, but it is something that we should be aware of in all the objects we encounter.
Looking at the placement of an item, for example of an article in a newspaper, can give clues about its intended function or reception. Advertisements next to related articles might suggest that the article includes paid content. The placement of items in a scrapbook can lead us to interrogate their undocumented relationship. Researchers might ask if items are related by date, or subject, or are they part of a mood board or collation of ideas for a piece of creative work?
