The following guidelines are intended for contributors writing entries on institutions. In this context "institutions" is used in the broadest sense possible (colleges, universities, hospitals, libraries, orphanages, prisons, social, public, religious, charitable, educational, etc.), and consequently not all suggestions stated below are universally applicable. The writer of entries on institutions should concentrate accordingly on those suggestions which pertain to the article in question, while at the same time describing atypical features of the individual subject. If there are aspects of specific institutions not covered here, the writer is encouraged to add them. Please place special emphasis upon the institution's role in the development of Mississippi or its special relationship to the state.

1. Official name (Mention earlier names and name changes; merger(s) with other institutions.)
2. Location(s) (Indicate specifically or by proximity to town, city, or within county. If institution has moved, please so indicate.)
3. Time and circumstances of establishment and founding (Governmental action and/or enabling legislation on local, county, state, or federal level; private, organizational action; family or individual action.)
4. Status and/or change of status (Example: from private to public.)
5. Purpose (Widening of scope; restrictions; change from religious to secular orientation, etc.)
6. Physical plant(s) (Major changes from time of origin to present.)
7. Regular financial basis (Endowments, funds, government support, etc.)
8. Other financial support (Drives, membership, gifts, matching grants, subventions, etc.)
9. Institutional accreditations, affiliations, and memberships (Statewide, regional, national.)
10. Patterns of growth and development
1. Human statistics (Personnel, patrons, inmates, enrollment, users, etc.)
2. Physical aspects (Building(s), wings, units, acreage, etc.)
3. Focus on new areas of activity, etc.
11. Holdings and collections (Natural objects or artifacts, books and other printed materials, archives, and aesthetic objects.)
12. Publications (Reports, series, newsletters, periodicals, books, audio-visual materials.)
13. Collaboration, cooperation, or exchange arrangements with other institutions (Avoidance of overlap in areas of specialization, joint purchases, and loan arrangements.)
14. Public activities (Exhibits, meetings, conferences, symposia, etc.)
15. Organization and administration (Boards, directors, trustees, managers, presidents, etc.; significant leaders, sponsors, or supporters.)
16. Defunct institutions (Circumstances and time of dissolution.)