SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts &Archives · 71
Integration with library systems.
Is the collection small enough or potential demand for a collection so low that a catalog record represents the collection
adequately?
Low use or low research significance. Also almost all new accessions get collection-level catalog record and/or
preliminary finding aid.
Might be used temporarily for large collections, or for collections that are uniform throughout (ledgers, etc.)
Most often an accession record for unprocessed collection or a small collection or single item described only with a
MARC record.
Need to address backlog.
Not processed or minimally processed, materials may be weeded or discarded in future.
Older collections in the backlog awaiting their turn at Level 2.
Patron access needs, processing policy.
Processing policy. (2 responses)
Researchers are aware that the collection exists.
Size of collection homogeneity.
Size of collection staffing levels.
Size of the collection. (2 responses)
Small collections (=or 1 linear foot).
Staff time and patron access needs. (2 responses)
Staff time to process.
Staffing, access needs, size.
Summary descriptions are the default description unless the collection possesses characteristics that would justify
deeper processing.
There are existing one-off items or small collections (manuscript box or smaller) of one format (e.g., correspondence) or
topic where no finding aid is necessary.
Used for accessioning and unprocessed materials.
Used for large collections that have container lists used to make large collections with high user demand available.
Used for unprocessed collections.
Other level N=12
Accession level.
Box level — for minimally processed materials with good organization.
Box level — most frequently when developing an accessions list.
Integration with library systems.
Is the collection small enough or potential demand for a collection so low that a catalog record represents the collection
adequately?
Low use or low research significance. Also almost all new accessions get collection-level catalog record and/or
preliminary finding aid.
Might be used temporarily for large collections, or for collections that are uniform throughout (ledgers, etc.)
Most often an accession record for unprocessed collection or a small collection or single item described only with a
MARC record.
Need to address backlog.
Not processed or minimally processed, materials may be weeded or discarded in future.
Older collections in the backlog awaiting their turn at Level 2.
Patron access needs, processing policy.
Processing policy. (2 responses)
Researchers are aware that the collection exists.
Size of collection homogeneity.
Size of collection staffing levels.
Size of the collection. (2 responses)
Small collections (=or 1 linear foot).
Staff time and patron access needs. (2 responses)
Staff time to process.
Staffing, access needs, size.
Summary descriptions are the default description unless the collection possesses characteristics that would justify
deeper processing.
There are existing one-off items or small collections (manuscript box or smaller) of one format (e.g., correspondence) or
topic where no finding aid is necessary.
Used for accessioning and unprocessed materials.
Used for large collections that have container lists used to make large collections with high user demand available.
Used for unprocessed collections.
Other level N=12
Accession level.
Box level — for minimally processed materials with good organization.
Box level — most frequently when developing an accessions list.