100 · Survey Results: Survey Questions And Responses
is expected and more for complete rehousing, reformatting of damaged/fragile items, and the creation of multi-level
electronic finding aid.
Archival collections are about 1.5 linear feet per day. Manuscripts are on a case-by-case basis.
Archives: use processing guidelines issued by Canadian Council of Archives. RBSC: based on past experience.
Archivists consider number of boxes in collection and whatever knowledge they have of the source or agency and its
records to estimate the time required. The time estimate is adjusted as processing progresses.
Based on experimentation to obtain a general timeframe chiefly for grant-writing purposes, we estimate that high-end
processing of a completely disorganized records center carton would take ~10 hours. When we know what the materials
look like in particular cases (e.g., when estimating costs for donor-supported processing of a particular collection), we
revise up or down to accommodate the materials.
Based on the wide variety of material types donated, project records show that processing speed will vary between 3
and 25 hours to process a linear foot of material.
By observation. Our figures range from 2 hours per foot to 10 (or so), depending on the level of experience of the
processor and complexity of the project.
Calculations on based on experience and rates used by other archivists and provided through publication or via listservs.
Canadian Council of Archives Time Guidelines for archival processing (2007).
Consider size, existing documentation, how much of original or current arrangement can be retained, type of collection
(19th century family papers v. 20th century organization) anticipated preservation work, and other duties of person
collection will be assigned to. Very rough rule of thumb, averaging across all types of collections, 1.5 cubic feet a week.
Depends on condition, arrangement and type of materials when received, the importance of the collection materials
and anticipated use. Staff and spend anywhere from 3 hours to 14 hours processing one standard 10” x 13” x 15”
document box of materials.
Depends on the level. Level 2 (default series level control intellectual arrangement): 35–50 l.f./month. Level 3 (combo
series/folder level control combo intellectual and physical arrangement): 20–30 l.f./month. Level 4: Folder level control
physical arrangement: 11–15 l.f./month.
Each collection is different and requires different attention. The size of the collection, the desired level of processing, and
condition of material will help determine the time estimates.
Each collection presents its own profile in this respect, as the conditions of collections in terms of their size, condition,
organization, and researcher interest varies. Frankly, our best guess for the amount of time it takes to process a
collection depends on all of these factors and the capabilities and strengths of those assigned to process them. I’m not
satisfied that a metric exists to provide such an estimate.
Estimation based on prior processing projects.
For a relatively well-organized manuscript collection or group of archival records, we use 3–4 hours per linear feet as
the rule of thumb for processing time. If we decide not to refolder or not to list folders, we would reduce that time. If the
collection is not well organized or is of very high research value (and thus requires more attention), we would increase
that number. We would also increase the number if inexperienced staff process the collection. We would make different
estimates if the collection consisted primarily of audiovisual material or born-digital material. We are currently collecting
statistics on how long it takes to ingest and process born-digital material.