Delivery of items for End-Processing
Items can come from many sources in the Houghton Library and take many forms, but generally are placed on shelving marked “Incoming” based on size. Items in Hollinger boxes, Paige boxes, broadside folders, and other bulky or oversized items can be left in temporary locations after conferring with the End-Processing Assistant. Items that are not new accessions (for example, items that are already barcoded) but that require end-processing should be given directly to the End-Processing Assistant.
Routing Slips
All items need routing slips, which are created and added to through the accessioning and cataloging process. Any item without a routing slip should be brought to the attention of the Technical Services Librarian.
Routing slips contain vital information for end-processing, including:
- call numbers and additional descriptive information
- collection information
- accession numbers
- ALEPH system numbers
- fund/donor information
- end-processing instructions
- special notes/additional instructions
It is very important to check and double-check all information on the routing slip to create accurate labels and minimize mistakes and mislabeling
During the barcoding step, duplicate barcodes are placed on the routing slip for easier entry into ALEPH. After this process, routing slips are stored on the mezzanine for one year, grouped by month.
AEON Slips
AEON slips are used to track items in Houghton that do not follow a "regular" processing. AEON slips need to stay with their designated item as they are end-processed. As a general rule, items that come to be end-processed need to have their status changed to "In Technical Services - End Processing" by the person delivering the item. The End Processing Assistant is responsible for updating the status when the item leaves the end-processing area.
General End-Processing Procedures
Catalogers:
- place items on "incoming" shelves by size
Student workers and/or Robin:
- Create labels, tabs, and plates according to routing slip directions.
- Check labels, tabs, and plates for errors.
- Paste labels, tabs, and plates.
- Remove blotters from the materials, and place on the correct outgoing shelf.
- Wrap (if necessary), barcode, and label the outgoing items.
End-processing supervisor (Robin):
- Update the item records in Aleph, and finish any Aeon requests.
- Scan barcodes again to make sure they are functional.
- Pack HD items in grey bins and notify HD for pickup.
- Bring on-site items to appropriate stacks location for shelving.
RUSH procedures
(For reference books, special curatorial requests, circulating Poetry Room books, some serials, and other special requests.)
Catalogers:
- Incoming rush items should be labeled "RUSH" and placed on the "RUSH" shelf on the top left of Bay 1. If they are too large for the shelf, notify the end processing supervisor.
Students workers and/or Robin:
- When making labels, always include items from the "RUSH" shelf
- Check and paste rush items immediately after finishing the batch. If this is not possible, give to the end processing supervisor before the end of your shift.
- After pasting, do not place on the drying shelves, but give directly to the end processing supervisor.
End processing supervisor (Robin):
- Edit item records, enter statistics, and deliver before the end of the day.