Digitization and data frames for card index records

Someswar Amujala, Angela Vossmeyer and Sanjiv Das ()

Explorations in Economic History, 2023, vol. 87, issue C

Abstract: We develop a methodology for converting card index archival records into usable data frames for statistical and textual analyses. Leveraging machine learning and natural-language processing tools from Amazon Web Services (AWS), we overcome hurdles associated with character recognition, inconsistent data reporting, column misalignment, and irregular naming. In this article, we detail the step-by-step conversion process and discuss remedies for common problems and edge cases, using historical records from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.

Keywords: Machine learning; Natural-language processing; Archival records; Unstructured data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C8 N4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:exehis:v:87:y:2023:i:c:s001449832200047x

DOI: 10.1016/j.eeh.2022.101469

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