Table of Contents

Introduction to Books End-Processing

“Books” in our Section's case is inclusive of all printed materials, as well as other media not processed by the Manuscript Section, such as Poetry Room audiovisual items. The majority of the unit’s responsibility is in end-processing cataloged printed materials: books, serials, broadsides, prints, etc. These collection materials are then shelved in various locations in Houghton stacks including the Houghton building itself, Pusey Library, the Woodberry Poetry Room in Lamont Library, and our off-site storage facility, the Harvard Depository (or HD) in Southborough, MA. In short, end-processing entails labeling, casing (when needed), barcoding, and delivering materials to the appropriate location for future retrieval for users of the library. Accurate end-processing is essential for the discoverability, accessibility, and security of Houghton’s holdings now and in the future.

End-Processing Responsibilities

• Ensure that all items received are properly labeled, barcoded, and safely routed to the correct location in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all items that require it are properly housed.
• Notify the Technical Services Librarian and/or cataloging staff of any issues that arise.
• Keep detailed statistics of items end-processed.

Guidelines for Student Workers

Scheduling - General

• Student work hours are between 9 and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
• Shifts should be at least 2 hours in length.
• We will set up a schedule at the beginning of the term.
• Houghton Library is closed on national holidays, even when classes are in session.

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• For the protection of our collections materials, no food or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the work area.
  
• Water must be kept in a tightly closed container, preservation-approved Contigo Travel Mug and stored on a surface away from collections (ex: on the floor, on supply shelves).

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• Take a moment to look for signs of fragility before opening.
• Never open books farther than they want to open.
• Prop books open to 90 degrees (or less, if you feel resistance) using blocks and book snakes when affixing labels.

Other

• Keep water bottles closed your Contigo Travel Mug closed, sealed, and away from the work surface.
• Don't create tall stacks of books as you work. Large groups of books should be stored upright with a block.
• Never use books as a writing surface!
  
  • Don't rest routing slips, Aeon slips, or scrap paper on books when making notes.
  • Remove books from temporary CMI envelopes before writing on the envelopes.

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