Often a final step, assigning, reviewing, revising and managing container profiles and locations in ArchivesSpace is an important aspect of archival processing. When we converted from a an alpha-numerical/sequential shelving system for all collections to a shelf numbering system in ArchivesSpace, many collections received new box and volume numbers in the finding aids, so that there could be as much consistency in physically ordering items, as much control over extent, locations and use of space, and as little shifting as possible. This monumental undertaking required an equally monumental update of the physical labels on a majority of boxes and volumes that were no longer properly identified. Many collections, because they couldn't all be reviewed physically when finding aids were being updated, still required changes pertaining to their existing locations in the stacks. Many formerly "missing" items were found and errors corrected, explanatory notes added. Volumes were renumbered so that those of a particular size would be together, and so that numbering was simple and sequential, rather than skipping back and forth on the shelves. This also provided a better way of counting tracking the extent of material within a collection. The new system is not based on or original one that used "item numbers" which were confusing became cumbersome to readers and staff.
A large selection of particularly problematic collections was prioritized as a way of managing the workload. And the work on these legacy collections will continue for a long time, just as it is also carried out now on new material. In so doing, we are establishing consistency in our practices and thus communicating more precisely with staff and researchers. In fact, consistency and good communication are perhaps our most important shared values. Here are some other ways we strive to uphold them in our work. Below are some examples.
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