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.

Scheduling Changes

Dropping shifts to accommodate studying or other conflicts is permitted on occasion. Email your supervisor no later than 24 hours beforehand.
If you're too sick to work, try to email your supervisor by the start of your shift.
We will try to accommodate requests for schedule changes, but we can't guarantee extra shifts. (Ex: We usually can't schedule more than two students to work at one time.)

Lateness

Make every effort to arrive on time. Since most shifts are short, chronic lateness can make a big difference in the unit's ability to keep up with the workload.
If you don't show up for a shift, Robin will send an email after 20-30 minutes to make sure we are on the same page about scheduling. (Miscommunications sometimes happen, so this email in itself is not a warning.)

Breaks

You are allowed a paid 15 minute break for every 3 hours worked.
For shifts 6 hours or longer, you are required to take a 30 minute unpaid meal break.
Additional shorter breaks are allowed as needed.

Time sheets

Time sheets are normally due at 5pm on Thursdays, although they are sometimes due earlier on weeks preceding national holidays. You'll receive weekly email reminders from PeopleSoft.
Although we will try to remind you in person when timesheets are due early, is your responsibility to remember to submit.
The website will allow you to submit until 5pm on Friday, after which time Lewis will need to report the hours for you.

Food and Drinks

Note: the food and drink policy is currently under review.

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 preservation-approved Contigo Travel Mug and stored on a surface away from collections (ex: on the floor, on supply shelves).

Safe Handling Guidelines

(Adapted from "Care & Handling Orientation for New Staff" handouts)

Hand Washing

Wash hands after eating, and after handling materials that will transfer dirt or grime to other materials (eg. red rot).
Don't use hand creams while working, and avoid touching your face if you are wearing makeup.

Work Slowly and Have Enough Space

Ensure that you have adequate space to move books and fully open enclosures.

Pulling Materials form the Shelves

Always use two hands.
Don't grab too many items at a time.
Have a "landing space" for what you are pulling.
Grasp the middle of the book or the top middle of the text block (not the head cap).
Ask for help with oversize materials, if necessary.
Use a block to prop up items on the shelves. Have a block ready before you begin.

Opening Books

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 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.