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 the future retrieval for users use of the library users. 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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