Extensible processing for archives and special collections: Reducing
processing backlogs, by Daniel A. Santamaria, Chicago, American Library
Association/Neal-Schuman, 2015, 235 pp., US$75.00 (US$67.50 ALA
members) (soft cover), ISBN978-0-8389-1257-7 (available from Inbooks)
This book examines extensible processing as applied to digital collections and
repositories. Extensible processing addresses the problem of large
processing backlogs through an interactive approach to archives. This
approach involves creating a baseline level of access to all holdings in a
repository and then conducting additional processing based on user demand
and further assessment of collections. Extensible processing also deals with
procedures to prevent backlogs occurring in the first place. The author, Daniel
Santamaria, is a recipient of the Society of American Archivists 2013 Coker
Award for innovative developments in archival description and has extensive
experience in dealing with archival processes.
Whilst acknowledging that backlogs are a difficult problem, the author
believes that many backlogs are caused by rigid definitions of processing. The
book looks at the key principles of providing baseline access to holdings,
creating structured and standardised compliant descriptive data, minimising
physical processing, managing collection material in aggregate groups and
taking an iterative approach to processing. Emphasis is on principles and
standards through taking a big picture approach. This involves looking at the
collection as a whole, taking a top down approach first rather than leaping into
processing one item at a time. It also involves creating a flexible structure for
future processing rather than leaving it to chance. There is information on
creating workflows and assessing collections. Developing a processing plan
and appropriate metrics are also covered in later chapters. Issues such as
privacy and security are not overlooked.
As well as describing theory, the guide also discusses the practical application
of the theory. The appendices contain details of eight case studies that apply
extensible processing programmes. These consist of a range of North
American institutions, from one-person shops to large institutions, including
historical societies, a school, private collections, libraries, archives and
consortia. Other appendices contain finding aid examples, sample work plans,
and templates for a deed of gift and a takedown policy. There is an extensive
list of related references for following up and a detailed index.
The guide is designed for supervisors and managers of processing, as well as
librarians and archivists who do the actual processing. It provides a useful
approach for re-examining backlogs and the processing of material for
collections and repositories. Anyone undertaking a digitisation programme,
having issues with backlogs or with an interest in the area would find the book
a worthwhile resource.
Catherine Gilbert
Parliament of Australia Library