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Box labels (half-height)
Folder (pf) labels for drawers (in Theatre Collection and elsewhere)
Single items boxed together, shelved onsite
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ACCESSION NUMBER AS CALL NUMBER
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ASTERISK USE AT THE BEGINNING OF AN *ACCESSION NUMBER
Houghton no longer uses an asterisk in front of the accession number (i.e. *2000M-33 would now be simply 2000M-33).Anchor
BOX LABEL for HALF-HEIGHT BOX (flat)
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_________Autograph files and Catchalls
AUTOGRAPH FILES
The large collections referred to thus far are mainly closed groupings of items from the same source, such as gift or bequest of a certain individual, or purchased with a particular fund. But some collections are composed of items that each have a different source. They are grouped together either because they provide examples of handwriting and signatures of famous literary figures (hence the name Autograph file), or because they are miscellaneous and unrelated (usually) single sheets.There is a rather large Autograph file at Houghton and in the Theatre Collection. They were begun in the early years of the library and we continue adding to them. Their call numbers are : "Autograph file" and "HTC Autograph file". Items in these two collections, are filed alphabetically by author. They do not have item numbers like most other collections do. We have not added barcodes to the boxes for the Autograph files because each item, within its folder, has its own item record (see: Item Records and Bar codes). The number of boxes cannot be determined by looking at the item records for these collections. If a box is added, the finding aid should be updated. That is how one would know the number of boxes on the shelf.
Lowell Autograph file (old collection that was originally alphabetical but was given item numbers and closed; filed by item numbers)
CATCHALLS
Catchalls are also collections of single items that are related in subject matter, but that have come to the library from a variety of sources. Normally each item does not exceed one folder. Older collections are often filed alphabetically, but newer ones tend to have item numbers to which items are continually added, out of alphabetical order. Keeping the official list of all Autograph files and catchalls is part of the manuscript accessioning process. Most catchalls have normal-looking call numbers, but some do not. Examples are:
Portrait file (filed alphabetically; no item numbers)
HTC Programs 2 (filed by item number; items are added continually, out of alphabetical order)
bMS Thr 511 (filed by item number; items are added continually, out of alphabetical order)
This is a collection of Tennessee Williams typescript compositions, 1936-1979 and undated, from various different sources. One of its box labels appears in the sample book.
One difficulty in end-processing these collections is that they are in all different sizes of boxes.
Example of records being worked out for the addition of an Autograph File, A item to a "pf" box (box 195) Standard size box is Box 3a.
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Anchor half height half height
BOX LABEL for HALF-HEIGHT BOX (flat)
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FRAMED MATERIAL : LABELS, LOCATIONS, STORAGE
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HD STICKERS : SAMPLE LABELS for boxes going to HD
NOTE: *A small piece of tape must be adhered to the open end of the label holder so that the label can't slip out.*
Labels are printed on Avery 5911 perforated business cards. The bar code and the HD sticker are affixed to the card, NOT to the box itself, or to the label holder. This is because if the label ever needs to be changed, the card can simply be removed and replaced. Also the label holder doesn't offer protection for stickers adhered to the outside of it thus defeating its purpose. And, there would be a problem removing those stickers from the outside of the label holder if it were necessary to do so. NOTE: the item numbers are no longer included on the box labels. To remove a label : use an exacto knife to slit the tape along the right edge (for items that were at HD). Then use the blade to slip gently inside the label holder, put a small amount of pressure on the label inside with the tip of the blade, and pull the label out.
HYDE BACK STACKS: see SPECIAL LOCATIONS : Hyde Back Stacks
- labels = bMS Hyde 98
- shelf tab = MS Hyde 87
- box label = HYDE 2003JM-40 (pf)
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*NOTE: after the renovation, items once shelved in the Lobby are now stored temporarily in Lamont, range ........ A-18 and A-19. Manuscripts that require updated labeling are moved from Lamont to new shelving depending on their call numbers and status as a single item or collection.
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Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827. A.L.s. to Count ...Oppersfdorf...1s.(3p). 1 folder. |
MANUSCRIPTS REMOVED FROM A VOLUME : SAMPLE LABEL
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Manuscript folder labels look just like those from any other manuscript collection. They do not need to include the "POETRY *" designation. Boxed items are shelved with all other boxed collections on sub-basement. They are not included in the special "Blue Star" area of the stacks behind the cmii shelves that is designated for printed Blue Star material.
SINGLE ITEM MANUSCRIPTS SHELVED TOGETHER, ONSITE
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PRINTED BOOK
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CALL NUMBER LABELS
A small percentage of collections are given printed book call numbers but are cataloged as if they were a manuscript collection and are end-processed by Manuscript end-processors. Normally the labels are identical to the abbreviated ones used for a manuscript collection, including only the call number, THE HOUGHTON LIBRARY, and the accession number.
There may be particular rules for the inclusion of the lowercase "b" in the call number on folders and box labels. Here are some samples that provide guidelines.
UPRIGHT IN DOCUMENT BOXES AND SHELVED AT HOUGHTON
f *AC95.B5665.969c
Black Panther papers
The lowercase "b" for "boxed" does not precede the call number in this instance because the boxes are in a shelving area for upright volumes. The "f" shows that it is shelved with "folios" (on basement level). There is a space after the "f". Though in the past there often was no space.
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FLAT IN PF-SIZE BOXES
p FB9.A100.968p (1), etc.
This printed book collection is cataloged like a manuscript collection in that it has (item numbers) at the end (1), (2), (3), etc. The lowercase "p" is an indication of location and currently a space appears after it. But most of the other items, done before macros were used, do not include a space after the "p". So it is not crucial whether or not the "p" is done the old way or the new way. However, regular printed books end-processing uses the space after the "p".
RESTRICTED LABELS
All pre-1600 manuscripts are restricted, regardless of call number. Because this is already well-known by the Reading Room, we don't label such items restricted, unless perhaps there is a special archival copy to make readers aware of, or some other special restriction called for by the curator.
All other manuscripts from the time periods after 1600 will be marked restricted according to the dictates of the HOLLIS holdings record. The wording on the label is short. Sometimes it merely says "RESTRICTED". Sometimes it is possible and appropriate to list the reason for the restriction as below:
bMS Am xxx RESTRICTED
bMS Hyde 98 (1382) RESTRICTED : closed until 2053
bMS Am 2072 (7) RESTRICTED : use archival photocopies
RESTRICTED - FRAGILE
RESTRICTED : consult curator for access
LABELS FOR RANGES IN STACKSManuscript end-processors. Normally the labels are identical to the abbreviated ones used for a manuscript collection, including only the call number, THE HOUGHTON LIBRARY, and the accession number.
There may be particular rules for the inclusion of the lowercase "b" in the call number on folders and box labels. Here are some samples that provide guidelines.
FLAT IN PF-SIZE BOXES
p FB9.A100.968p (1), etc.
This printed book collection is cataloged like a manuscript collection in that it has (item numbers) at the end (1), (2), (3), etc. The lowercase "p" is an indication of location and currently a space appears after it. But most of the other items, done before macros were used, do not include a space after the "p". So it is not crucial whether or not the "p" is done the old way or the new way. However, regular printed books end-processing uses the space after the "p".
UPRIGHT IN DOCUMENT BOXES AND SHELVED AT HOUGHTON
f *AC95.B5665.969c
Black Panther papers
The lowercase "b" for "boxed" does not precede the call number in this instance because the boxes are in a shelving area for upright volumes. The "f" shows that it is shelved with "folios" (on basement level). There is a space after the "f". Though in the past there often was no space.
UPRIGHT IN DOCUMENT BOXES & SHELVED IN SCIENCE FICTION ROOM
b SF-133
In this instance the lowercase "b" means "boxed" rather than "broadside". The "b" was included as an aid for locating the material within this special room.
UPRIGHT IN DOCUMENT BOXES & SHELVED AT HD
FC8.A100.873p
If this were a manuscript collection, the "b" would be retained on all labels because it appears as part of the call number in HOLLIS. Some in printed books, however, may omit the "b" boxed indicator for items going to HD, since they do not have a location at Houghton.
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STACK RANGE LABELS
In the past, the Stack Supervisor was in charge of producing and updating labels at the ends of the aisles where manuscripts are shelved. However, the end processor is in a position to assist with this process in the manuscript stack areas. Here is a sample label for the GEN and F ranges. Each range is now also labeled with its Building, level, and range number, provided by the manuscript end processor. (P2.1, P2.2, P2.3, etc.)
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bMS Am 1948 (cont’d.) -
bMS Am 2031
Pusey - 12
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THEATRE COLLECTION STACKS : PPF and PFD DRAWERS (oversize folders and labels)Anchor theater collection stacks theater collection stacks
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