Extensible Processing for Archives and Special Collections: Reducing Processing Backlogs

by Daniel A. Santamaria

A 2010 OCLC report found that an internet-accessible finding aid existed for only 44 percent of archival collections. Undescribed collections are essentially hidden from users, and much of the blame can be assigned to the strain of processing backlogs. Extensible processing offers an alternative, allowing collection managers to first establish a baseline level of access to all holdings, then conduct additional processing based on user demand and ongoing assessment. Adhering to archival principles and standards, this flexible approach emphasizes decision-making and prioritization. Santamaria, a recipient of the Society of American Archivists' 2013 Coker Award for innovative developments in archival description, has overseen the processing of thousands of linear feet of organizational records and personal papers. Showing how technical services staff can reassert control of collections while improving user experience, this invaluable resource Archivists and special collections librarians will find in this book the tools, confidence, and freedom to improve user experience through extensible processing.

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid intro to processing and the planning / analysis that can help build an effective, sustainable processing program. It's premised on burning through a backlog, but can also be the foundation for [periodically reviewed] organizational policy. Now thinking about all the ways to apply "extensible" to other sides of archival work, from making born-digital accessible to Writing The Docs On Everything. A more engaging and empowering education than my semester-long arrangement-and-description class, I'm not particularly sorry to say. But YMMV.

[Margot Note · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for archivists; it builds upon MPLP. Using these concepts, taught in a workshop years ago by the author, I was able to reduce a 3-year backlog in 7 months. Archival powers activate!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever cheered so much while reading a book!