SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts &Archives · 127
University of Michigan
Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging
Cataloging: 20%
Responsible for original cataloging of all non-book materials in the Special Collections
Library. These materials include photograph, manuscript, pamphlet, poster, print, art work, realia,
theatre program, and playbill collections. Catalogs at the collection level and or item level
according to AACR2, ISBD punctuation, and accepted subject thesauri in MARC formats.
Responsible for remaining current with new cataloging practices established by the Library of
Congress and Technical Services, UM Library. Develops and maintains an awareness of policies
on cataloging collections developed by other relevant organizations in the library, archives, and
museum fields. Proposes cataloging policies in consultation to the Assistant Head of Special
Collections and consults with representatives from Technical Services. Regularly confers with
Special Collections Curators regarding the cataloging of particular collections. Hires, trains, and
supervises student interns who want to learn how to catalog manuscript, archival, and non-book
material. Represents the Special Collections Library on Technical Services committees and
taskforces concerning cataloging.
Collection Development: 20%
Responsible for developing and managing the collections in the assigned subject areas.
Collection development will involve intense work with dealers and collectors/donors, as well as
with the corresponding selectors for the general collections. Most purchases are retrospective,
although some parts of the Transportation History Collection include current serials and
monographs. All appropriate formats are collected, following drafted policy, including books,
serials, manuscripts, archives, pamphlets, and non-book materials such as photographs and posters.
Collects materials in all appropriate European languages. Identifies prospective donors of
appropriate material and frequently initiates contact and works closely with them. Seeks
consultation when appropriate with the Head of the Special Collections Library and with the
Library Development Office when approaching donors, and consults with the curatorial team in
Special Collections when acquiring particularly large, expensive, or complex collections. Works
with library selectors and faculty across the University who have identified donors whose materials
would become part of the Transportation History Collection. Uses professional judgment to weigh
benefits of potential gifts against costs in space and staff time, consulting others as appropriate.
Works with staff of the Preservation Office and Conservation Laboratory to find solutions to
difficult technical problems regarding the preservation and restoration of many different kinds of
materials and formats. Works with Head of Special Collections in preparing collection
development budget requests. Monitors the portion of the collection development budget assigned
to Transportation History materials. Implements collection development policy statements,
rewriting or adding details as needed.
Public Service &Outreach: 20%
Because so many areas in the Special Collections Library are uncataloged or under-
cataloged, the curators bear a significant responsibility to interpret the collection to patrons. This
frequently takes the form of lengthy reference consultations, exchanges of reference letters (both
paper and email), and telephone calls. Advises on research questions and problems for patrons in-
person and by phone, letter, and e-mail. Answers reference queries in person and by phone, letter,
and e-mail. Searches appropriate local and national databases as appropriate for patrons' needs.
Works as monitor of the Reading Room for a two-hour shift per week, plus occasional Saturday
shifts.
As part of the development and educational missions of the University Library, gives
lectures to the general public as requested on holdings of the Special Collections Library, with
audiences ranging from school children to senior citizens. Initiates publicity for all events and
University of Michigan
Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging
Cataloging: 20%
Responsible for original cataloging of all non-book materials in the Special Collections
Library. These materials include photograph, manuscript, pamphlet, poster, print, art work, realia,
theatre program, and playbill collections. Catalogs at the collection level and or item level
according to AACR2, ISBD punctuation, and accepted subject thesauri in MARC formats.
Responsible for remaining current with new cataloging practices established by the Library of
Congress and Technical Services, UM Library. Develops and maintains an awareness of policies
on cataloging collections developed by other relevant organizations in the library, archives, and
museum fields. Proposes cataloging policies in consultation to the Assistant Head of Special
Collections and consults with representatives from Technical Services. Regularly confers with
Special Collections Curators regarding the cataloging of particular collections. Hires, trains, and
supervises student interns who want to learn how to catalog manuscript, archival, and non-book
material. Represents the Special Collections Library on Technical Services committees and
taskforces concerning cataloging.
Collection Development: 20%
Responsible for developing and managing the collections in the assigned subject areas.
Collection development will involve intense work with dealers and collectors/donors, as well as
with the corresponding selectors for the general collections. Most purchases are retrospective,
although some parts of the Transportation History Collection include current serials and
monographs. All appropriate formats are collected, following drafted policy, including books,
serials, manuscripts, archives, pamphlets, and non-book materials such as photographs and posters.
Collects materials in all appropriate European languages. Identifies prospective donors of
appropriate material and frequently initiates contact and works closely with them. Seeks
consultation when appropriate with the Head of the Special Collections Library and with the
Library Development Office when approaching donors, and consults with the curatorial team in
Special Collections when acquiring particularly large, expensive, or complex collections. Works
with library selectors and faculty across the University who have identified donors whose materials
would become part of the Transportation History Collection. Uses professional judgment to weigh
benefits of potential gifts against costs in space and staff time, consulting others as appropriate.
Works with staff of the Preservation Office and Conservation Laboratory to find solutions to
difficult technical problems regarding the preservation and restoration of many different kinds of
materials and formats. Works with Head of Special Collections in preparing collection
development budget requests. Monitors the portion of the collection development budget assigned
to Transportation History materials. Implements collection development policy statements,
rewriting or adding details as needed.
Public Service &Outreach: 20%
Because so many areas in the Special Collections Library are uncataloged or under-
cataloged, the curators bear a significant responsibility to interpret the collection to patrons. This
frequently takes the form of lengthy reference consultations, exchanges of reference letters (both
paper and email), and telephone calls. Advises on research questions and problems for patrons in-
person and by phone, letter, and e-mail. Answers reference queries in person and by phone, letter,
and e-mail. Searches appropriate local and national databases as appropriate for patrons' needs.
Works as monitor of the Reading Room for a two-hour shift per week, plus occasional Saturday
shifts.
As part of the development and educational missions of the University Library, gives
lectures to the general public as requested on holdings of the Special Collections Library, with
audiences ranging from school children to senior citizens. Initiates publicity for all events and
