New Book on Processing to Hit the Shelves Shortly

SAA will launch How to Manage Processing in Archives and Special Collections by Pam Hackbart-Dean (Southern Illinois University–Carbondale) and Elizabeth Slomba (University of New Hampshire) at the Annual Meeting in San Diego next month. This invaluable resource breaks down what you need to know to establish or revitalize your processing program, delivering effective methods to help you succeed. This book is packed with information about:

• Creating a framework for a processing program, including developing processing policies, priorities, and strategies;
• Managing the day-to-day work of processing assessment techniques;
• Implementing best practices and standards;
• Administering a “patron-based approach” to managing processing;
• Effectively assessing the demands for descriptions and item-level cataloging to make collections available more swiftly; and
• Applying standards in the adoption of trends and new concepts in processing and in handling outside demands.

Whether you manage numerous archivists, operate as one member of a processing team, or function as a lone arranger, How to Manage Processing in Archives and Special Collections is your go-to guide for developing and managing a processing program. Look for this title at the Annual Meeting in San Diego (and in the online bookstore beginning August 13).