University Library

In 2012, a group of librarians published the “Guidelines for Efficient Archival Processing in the University of California Libraries,” which served as a touchstone for archival staff both within the University of California and beyond in their bid to tackle significant backlogs. Over time language and linked references in the document became outdated; and the recommendations began to feel out of touch with emerging discussions of holistic collection management. This shift in the profession, coupled with the increasing prevalence of born-digital collection materials led a group of UC archivists in 2018 to embark on a two-year-long revision project to make key changes addressing the impact that appraisal, accessioning, and over-collecting have on the existence and growth of backlogs. This webinar will provide an overview of the revisions to the Guidelines for Efficient Archival Processing, making the case for a more holistic approach to collections stewardship that emphasizes the interrelatedness of each stage in the archival lifecycle. Presenters will focus on the process of developing recommendations for born-digital appraisal and accessioning, and provide context on the decision to structure the document in a way that reflects the interconnected nature of born-digital and physical collections care.