Introduction

About Hymnary.org

Being an Editor for Hymnary.org

Proofing and Editing Process

1. Go to the Hymnary website and log in with your username and password.
2. Click on the Hymnal tab and select the hymnal you want to proofread/edit.
3. Hymns should be listed by number. Click on the title to see the summary page. At the top are both the authority text and the tune titles. Below these are text and tune information specific to the hymnal. The authority title may or may not be the same as the hymnal information.
4. Check the text and tune information. If there are changes that need to be made, click on edit. (Also make the changes in the authority if this is the only hymnal listed under it. To check the authority, click on the text title or tune title in the authority area.)
5. Enter changes in the boxes.
   • To correct a person, click on the name.
   • To remove a person, check the box under the trash can.
   • Some fields will appear closed up if they are empty, for example, the copyright statement. Click on these to open up and reveal the entry boxes.
   • If you need to add more than one item, for example, more than one person, then save and go back to reveal another box.
   • Click on "Save" at the bottom of the page to save changes.
   • Check Scripture passages as you go, using the index in the back of the hymnal.
6. To proof the subject index, use the "Texts" tab, select "Subject" from the drop down menu. This will result in a list of subjects, arranged alphabetically.

Authorities and Instances

A hymn text such as What Wondrous Love is This appears in many different hymnals, with variations in title, text, and other attributes. Hymnary.org has a record for each Instance of the hymn text, which is the hymn text as it appears in a particular hymnal, and a single Authority record for the hymn text, which is the text in general, encompassing all instances. Authority records contain information that is common to all instances. Examples include author, meter, etc. For the first line, the most common or original form may be used.

When viewing the authority record for a hymn text, you should see "text/what_wondrous_love... in the URL.

Hymn tunes also have authority records and instances. When viewing the authority record for a hymn tune, you should see "tune/what_wondrous_love... in the URL

An instance of a hymn is a particular version of a hymn tune and hymn text as they appear in a particular hymnal. Think of it as a page or number from a particular hymnal. The instance contains all information particular to that instance of a hymn. It may have its own title, firstline, sheet music, media files, or any other elements.

Persons also have authority records and instances but it is only possible to view the authority record for a person. The instance has the name as it appears in a particular hymnal.