Pronunciation: [hˈand lˈɪst] (IPA) 
The word "hand list" is spelled as /hænd lɪst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "hand," is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "happy" and the "d" sound. The second syllable, "list," is pronounced with the short "i" sound as in "sit" and the "s" and "t" sounds. A hand list is a type of inventory or catalog that is written by hand as opposed to being printed or typed.
A hand list is a term primarily used in libraries and archival settings to refer to a document that provides a concise and organized record of the contents of a collection or a specific item. It serves as a finding aid to help researchers, librarians, and archivists locate relevant materials efficiently and effectively.
Typically written or typed by hand, a hand list often includes essential information about each item, such as its title, author, publication date, call number, and physical location within the collection. It can help users quickly identify relevant resources, saving them valuable time in their research endeavors. Hand lists are especially useful when the collection lacks a detailed catalog or when a comprehensive inventory hasn't been created yet.
Hand lists vary in length and complexity depending on the size and specificity of the collection. They can range from a simple index card or a few pages in length to more comprehensive documents spanning multiple pages or volumes. Additionally, hand lists can be created for various types of materials, including books, manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, and more.
Overall, a hand list provides a concise overview of the resources available in a collection, offering users an instant guide to the holdings, facilitating access, and assisting in the organization and management of materials within libraries and archives.
