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Processing Priority Criteria



One of the problems of an archives in a library setting is
the difference of opinion over backlog.   Librarians see
books as current and needed information, the faster they
are on the shelves, the better for all.   Of course, they have
the advantage of shared cataloging and existing biblio-
graphic data.     I daresay that librarians don't understand
backlog in the archives, and the many differences which
require time, staff, supplies, and especially time.

Okay, having said that, I'm supposed to develop a system
for prioritizing our backlog (note the absence of staff to do
the actual cataloging but ...ahem).

What I need help with is (1) has anyone on this list develop-
ed such a form that I could borrow from?  (2) elements of such
a form, and whether anyone has tried a "point" system.

For example, some of my ideas for elements are:
donor (importance, living, bugging me (pushy?))
expected research demand (high, normal)
preservation work needed (poor condition, excellent)
time to process (estimating at 8 hours per c.f.)
space requirements (storage)

One of our problems here is "juggling"....collections
coming in the door versus pulling something from the
backlog.   I don't have a satisfactory answer to this,
and probably never will.

Dean

Dean DeBolt
University Librarian
Special Collections and West Florida Archives
John C. Pace Library
University of West Florida
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL  32514-5750
Tele:  850-474-2213;   Fax:  850-474-3338

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