Question
When transcribing, can I use acronyms or otherwise shorten the names of common or well-known places? For example, if the label says "California Polytechnic University," can I just transcribe "Cal Poly"?
Conversely, when an acronym is provided (e.g., JTNP instead of Joshua Tree National Park), should I spell out the acronym?
Conversely, when an acronym is provided (e.g., JTNP instead of Joshua Tree National Park), should I spell out the acronym?
Our Solution
Unless otherwise instructed by your supervisor, you should enter location information exactly as it appears on the label. Yes, that means you should transcribe "National Park" instead of "Natl Park" or "NP" if it is fully spelled out on the label.
Similarly, if an abbreviation or acronym is provided on the label and you think you know what it is, you should still transcribe the information exactly as it appears on the label. However, you can add your interpretation of that abbreviation in block quotes [ ]. For example: "JTNP [Joshua Tree National Park]".
Similarly, if an abbreviation or acronym is provided on the label and you think you know what it is, you should still transcribe the information exactly as it appears on the label. However, you can add your interpretation of that abbreviation in block quotes [ ]. For example: "JTNP [Joshua Tree National Park]".
