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The Special Collections Library consists of three units: Rare Books and Manuscripts, Historical Collections and Labor Archives, and the University Archives (including Fred Waring's America.) Each unit contains materials from a wide array of formats: books (old and new), serials, maps, audiovisuals, microfilm, graphics, photographs, and manuscripts and archives.
The Special Collections Cataloging Team catalogs all formats, based on individual specialization and expertise. Because of the unique nature of most of the materials in the Special Collections Library, the Team works with the Library's faculty and staff to ensure proper handling, processing, and cataloging procedures are carried out from receipt to shelf-readiness.
Security of the collections is a paramount concern. Collections remain in the custody of the Special Collections Library until they are ready to be cataloged. During cataloging and processing, all Rare Books and Manuscripts materials are locked overnight either in the designated storage closet or the faculty catalogers' offices. In particular, catalogers should never take an item from Rare Books and Manuscripts without signing it out.
The workflow varies from unit to unit, and sometimes by format, in Special Collections. The guidelines in the Documentation and Procedures section will aid catalogers in adhering to policies and procedures specific to processing Special Collections materials.
