Naming Conventions

Key

uniqueID = Just the unique ID, like bma_0142.

uniqueID_ss = A number modifier on the end denoting a separate pieces in a series, such as bma_0142_01. Number beginning with 01 and progressing chronologically from what can be determined from the object. For example, Side A and B of one cassette tape would be bma_0142_01 and bma_0142_02, respectively.

uniqueID_ssp = A number modifier on the end followed by a letter part identifier, for when there is a distinct division between parts of pieces in a series that cannot be dissolved.

Audio

• For cassettes, there will only be a maximum of two sides, and often only one. If there is one side, the file is named as the uniqueID. If there are two, each side is named uniqueID_ss.
• DAT and Audio CDs can have many tracks, and all tracks will be uniqueID_ss using the same ordering inherent to the object.
• Transcription discs can have two sides (top and bottom), and if each side is one complete track, then use uniqueID_ss for each of the two sides. If there is only one side, use uniqueID. If there is only one side, but it has distinct tracks (you have to move the needle to get to the next track), then use uniqueID_ss for each track. If there are two sides, and either side has distinct tracks where the needle must be moved, use uniqueID_ssp where ss will be the side and p will be a sequential letter (a, b, c, and so on) for each distinct track.
• 1/4" audio often only has a single track, in which case it is uniqueID. If it is half-track, it could be two channels of the same track (left and right), in which case it is still one file as uniqueID, but it could also be two distinct tracks with entirely different content, in which case you should use uniqueID_ss. Quarter or four-track can have up to four tracks, in which you will follow the same pattern. Sometimes they are paired, in which case there would be two total files made up of two channels each and each named uniqueID_ss, or there could be four distinct files, where each will also be uniqueID_ss.