Kirjeldaja

Kirjeldaja is an Estonian noun meaning a person who describes or writes descriptions. It is formed from the verb kirjeldama, “to describe,” with the agent noun suffix -aja. The term is used in both everyday language and specialized settings to denote someone who creates descriptive text about objects, events, or content.

In library and information science, a kirjeldaja is the person responsible for drafting descriptions of resources for catalogs, metadata records, or exhibition labels. Such descriptions cover aspects like content, form, provenance, and accessibility. The role is typically distinct from authorship (kirjanik) and from editors (toimetaja). In practice, a kirjeldaja helps translate or summarize complex material into concise, user-facing text.

In museums, archives, and related institutions, the kirjeldaja writes catalog entries and label text that assist visitors in understanding an exhibit or collection item. The term can also appear in other fields where accurate, neutral descriptions are needed, such as in digitization projects or scholarly catalogs. While the core idea is consistent—producing descriptive text—the exact duties may vary by institution and discipline.

Related terms include kirjeldus (description) and kirjeldama (to describe). The concept emphasizes careful, informative narration aimed at clarity and accessibility, rather than creative writing or argumentation.