Processing: Behind the Scenes (Part IV)

Ah, the collection is finally finished. Everything is put away in folders and boxes. It is all labeled and the finding aid is completed. Now we only need to tie up some loose ends.

For starters, the collection needs to be put on the shelves. The shelves are arranged by collection number and the boxes are shelved in order. Shelving requires a little bit of creativity: some items might need to be moved around to fit into its allotted space (or we might have to shift some of the already processed collections to make room) and often we have to perform miracles to fit the oversized boxes in with the rest of the collection. Here at the Butler Center, our Manuscripts Coordinator usually does the shelving. I’m not sure if this is because he wants to help us out or if it is because he is afraid we won’t do it the way he wants. Either way, it is one less thing we have to do so we don’t complain.

A copy of the finding aid goes into the black binders in the research room and another gets sent off to be put online.

Now step back and admire the handy-work. Excellent!




















Well, that is a short explanation of how we process the collections that come into the Butler Center. After admiring our work for a short time, we start back at the beginning with a new collection. Any questions?

Contributed by Stephanie Bayless, Manuscripts Department