The primary focus of this document is printed material (books, music, graphics) being cataloged as special collections material. However, it is recognized that some of the department's time is also spent on what is not normally considered traditional "rare book cataloging." Examples of this work are that which is done with modern collections, in database clean-up, with collection-level descriptions, and in expedited cataloging. These do not easily fall into the rubric of existing standards and so the department has sought to document here decisions made about the treatment of such material as they are made. Hence, while the primary focus is on the sort of thorough rare book work historically done at Houghton, the manual also contains helpful pointers for other types of cataloging practiced here.
This manual will continually be added to and changed in light of conversations and developments in cataloging practice both locally and internationally.
NOTE:
In this manual, "Houghton" should be interpreted as comprising Houghton Library, the Harvard Theatre Collection, the Poetry Room, and any other collections administered by Houghton Library, unless specific exception is made.
PRINCIPLES
- Houghton's collections are extraordinarily rich and diverse, and they contain many unique or nearly unique items. Preserving the intellectual record, physical evidence, and history of these collections is a high priority.
- It is impossible to predict which materials acquired today will be most highly valued by future generations.
- Houghton's collections are highly significant for their copy-specific features. For many items, their research value lies more in these features than in the text.
- Houghton's collections are rich in duplicates and near-duplicates, potentially affording exceptional opportunities for bibliographical comparison and discovery.
- Houghton has a long tradition of supporting bibliographical scholarship, both by staff and by researchers.
- Because Houghton is a closed-stack collection, researchers rely heavily on Houghton catalogers to make the library's riches known to them. The more thorough and accurate the information in HOLLIS, the more useful it will be to researchers, the more they will be able to do for themselves, both in advance of their visits and on-site, and the more cost-effective it will be for Houghton to serve them. Access to Houghton collections will be significantly impaired by items cataloged improperly or to minimal standards.
- HOLLIS is not only a local finding aid, but a major bibliographical resource accessed worldwide by innumerable individuals who will never visit Harvard's libraries or use its collections.
- HOLLIS gives off-site researchers considerable help in identifying precisely which items they need to consult and in planning research visits. The more thorough and accurate the information in HOLLIS, the more useful it will be to researchers, the more they will be able to do for themselves, and the more cost-effective it will be for Houghton to serve them.
- Houghton Library benefits greatly from its participation in cooperative cataloging activities and adherence to Harvard and national standards. Likewise, it benefits greatly from its connections to the international community of scholars and librarians.
HOUGHTON MISSION STATEMENT
Houghton Library supports research and instruction by acquiring, cataloging, securing, and preserving significant literary, historical, and visual materials. The library facilitates and promotes scholarship by providing open access, expert knowledge, and informed service. The library supplements FAS academic programs through exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and publications. In fulfilling our mission, we are committed to honoring the values of Houghton Library.