Processing Levels

This is the least detailed processing at the Bentley Historical Library, with no arrangement, minimal appraisal, and description primarily occurring at the collection-level (i.e., within the ArchivesSpace resource record). 

Level 1 processing is useful for smaller collections consisting of no more than one physical unit, large collections with access restrictions, and collections that only need a basic level of access. It can can also be applied to individual series or subseries.

Level 1 processing characteristics include the following:

• No arrangement.

• Minimal appraisal, with any separations occurring at a high level. 

• The finding aid and MARC record should only include the required and optional descriptive elements noted in this manual.

• To ensure finding aid compatibility with Aeon, materials in the container list will be listed at the appropriate physical unit level (e.g., folders, boxes, bound volumes, oversize folders, etc.). 

• Digital files should be listed in the container list at the digital object level.

Example: Willow Run photograph collection (public link).

This is moderately efficient processing, with appraisal, arrangement, and description primarily occurring at the series-level, although additional levels of intellectual hierarchy can be added as needed. 

Level 2 is most appropriate for groupings of the same document types that need little detail or elaboration (e.g. correspondence files, meeting minutes, clippings files, etc.). 

Level 2 processing characteristics include the following:

• Arrangement of material into series as defined by function or form of material. Arrangement of items within small containers (e.g., folders) is inappropriate.

• Minimal appraisal, as processors will primarily be separating large containers (e.g. whole boxes).

• The finding aid and MARC record should include all relevant required and optional descriptive elements noted in this manual.

• To ensure finding aid compatibility with Aeon, materials in the container list will be listed at the appropriate physical unit level (e.g., folders, boxes, bound volumes, oversize folders, etc.). 

• Digital files should be listed in the container list at the digital object level.

Example: Division of Public Safety & Security (University of Michigan) records (public link).

This is more granular processing at the Bentley, with appraisal, arrangement, and description primarily occurring at the file- or folder-level. It is most appropriate for collections with fairly high historical value and anticipated heavy research use. 

Level 3 processing characteristics include the following:

• Significant arrangement, with material being arranged into series, subseries, and files as necessary. Item-level arrangement within small containers remains inappropriate.

• More granular appraisal, with folders primarily being separated. Item-level separating is possible at Level 3, but should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary (e.g., to eliminate sensitive, non-archival material that would otherwise close a folder for a particularly long of time). 

• The finding aid and MARC record should include all relevant required and optional descriptive elements noted in this manual.

• To ensure finding aid compatibility with Aeon, materials in the container list will be listed at the appropriate physical unit level (e.g., folders, boxes, bound volumes, oversize folders, etc.). 

• Digital files should be listed in the container list at the digital object level.

Example: Willis C. Patterson papers (public link).

This is the most detailed processing at the Bentley, with appraisal, arrangement, and description primarily occurring at the item-level. 

Level 4 processing is exclusively reserved for processing physical or born digital audiovisual materials as well as other physical materials that will be digitized. The decision to process at this level is usually made before processing begins.

Level 4 processing characteristics include the following:

• Significant arrangement, with items being arranged into series, subseries, and files as necessary.

• Granular appraisal that may include the separation of items. 

• The finding aid and MARC record include all applicable descriptive elements that are noted in this manual, including special descriptive elements used exclusively for physical or born digital audiovisual materials.

• To ensure finding aid compatibility with Aeon, materials in the container list will be listed at the appropriate physical unit level (e.g., folders, boxes, bound volumes, oversize folders, etc.). 

• Digital files should be listed in the container list at the digital object level.

Example: Barbara Aziz broadcasts collection (public link).