SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts &Archives · 103
the time it takes to process a collection. We have no hard and set policy or metric for establishing a time for processing.
Using the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library processing manual estimating processing rates at http://www.
library.yale/beinecke/manuscript/process.
We calculate numbers of linear feet and project based on estimated amount of time per linear foot.
We currently don’t calculate this.
We develop a processing plan for each collection with an estimated time frame. We consider the size of the collection,
amount of available staff time, similar collections already processed, anticipated use of the collection, available physical
space for the actual processing to take place, physical condition of the materials, digitization potential, and other
factors.
We do not track processing time on a regular basis. Nevertheless, we have been able to prepare fairly accurate
processing cost figures for successful grant and donor-funded processing projects.
We don’t have a preset pattern.
We don’t have a standard way for determining the length of time it takes to process a collection. Curators typically look
at a collection of similar size and assume that processing will take the same amount of time for the new collection.
We don’t. Basically I would say that we haven’t really had the time to calculate how much time all of this takes.
Something we should do and want to do, but we don’t have the time (or haven’t made the time) to set this up to date.
We estimate the amount of time it will take to process a collection by factoring in the skill level and experience of the
designated processor, the size, language, and complexity of the collection to be processed, and an initial determination
(based on the appraisal) of the level of processing that will be required.
We find the information at Yale’s Web site very helpful: http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/manuscript/process/
index.html.
We look at the size of the collection, its general condition, whether it already has a folder guide (we ask departments to
do those for collections they send), etc.
We look at the size of the collection, staff capabilities (experience and time), current arrangement of the collection, and
whether the collection will require that all folders and/or boxes need replacement.
We record very roughly the amount of time each project takes. That number can be refined as far as the total number of
days. We do not go beyond that.
We review the size, complexity, and state of order and usually process some sample boxes.
We typically don’t need to do this but we expect a full-time processor to finish about 2 cubic feet per 8-hour day. This
can vary greatly depending on the nature of the materials being processed.
We use an estimate of 6 hours per cubic foot box to arrange, describe, write a finding aid, and mark it up in EAD.
We use the figure of time to volume. We anticipate that a collection in moderate to good order takes about 8 hours for
an intermediate skilled processor to complete 0.5 c.f. At the preliminary inventory level. Summary descriptions require
much less time to prepare for the Web sites.
We would sample several different pieces of the collection to determine how homogenous the collection was, and what
(if any) preservation/conservation needs it had. We would make an educated guess as to the level of processing and the
level of description required by the majority of the material (series, folder, item), bearing in mind that some pieces might
the time it takes to process a collection. We have no hard and set policy or metric for establishing a time for processing.
Using the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library processing manual estimating processing rates at http://www.
library.yale/beinecke/manuscript/process.
We calculate numbers of linear feet and project based on estimated amount of time per linear foot.
We currently don’t calculate this.
We develop a processing plan for each collection with an estimated time frame. We consider the size of the collection,
amount of available staff time, similar collections already processed, anticipated use of the collection, available physical
space for the actual processing to take place, physical condition of the materials, digitization potential, and other
factors.
We do not track processing time on a regular basis. Nevertheless, we have been able to prepare fairly accurate
processing cost figures for successful grant and donor-funded processing projects.
We don’t have a preset pattern.
We don’t have a standard way for determining the length of time it takes to process a collection. Curators typically look
at a collection of similar size and assume that processing will take the same amount of time for the new collection.
We don’t. Basically I would say that we haven’t really had the time to calculate how much time all of this takes.
Something we should do and want to do, but we don’t have the time (or haven’t made the time) to set this up to date.
We estimate the amount of time it will take to process a collection by factoring in the skill level and experience of the
designated processor, the size, language, and complexity of the collection to be processed, and an initial determination
(based on the appraisal) of the level of processing that will be required.
We find the information at Yale’s Web site very helpful: http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/manuscript/process/
index.html.
We look at the size of the collection, its general condition, whether it already has a folder guide (we ask departments to
do those for collections they send), etc.
We look at the size of the collection, staff capabilities (experience and time), current arrangement of the collection, and
whether the collection will require that all folders and/or boxes need replacement.
We record very roughly the amount of time each project takes. That number can be refined as far as the total number of
days. We do not go beyond that.
We review the size, complexity, and state of order and usually process some sample boxes.
We typically don’t need to do this but we expect a full-time processor to finish about 2 cubic feet per 8-hour day. This
can vary greatly depending on the nature of the materials being processed.
We use an estimate of 6 hours per cubic foot box to arrange, describe, write a finding aid, and mark it up in EAD.
We use the figure of time to volume. We anticipate that a collection in moderate to good order takes about 8 hours for
an intermediate skilled processor to complete 0.5 c.f. At the preliminary inventory level. Summary descriptions require
much less time to prepare for the Web sites.
We would sample several different pieces of the collection to determine how homogenous the collection was, and what
(if any) preservation/conservation needs it had. We would make an educated guess as to the level of processing and the
level of description required by the majority of the material (series, folder, item), bearing in mind that some pieces might
