CASE STUDY
Arrangement and Description Services at Becker Medical Library
Dr. Laura Weis, a seasoned cultural heritage professional with experience in project management and policy development, has been a crucial asset to Backlog since its inception. Recognizing her dedication and expertise, Emma chose her as Backlog’s first full-time employee. This case study explores Laura's role at the Bernard Becker Medical Library at Washington University School of Medicine, providing a detailed account of Backlog's arrangement and description services.
Arrangement and Description
In July 2023, Laura began working in the Archives and Rare Books Division of the Bernard Becker Medical Library at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. As Project Archivist, her primary responsibility throughout the two-year position is the arrangement and description of two large collections: the Institute for Biomedical Computing Records and the Jerome R. Cox, Jr., Papers. The arrangement process has included an intellectual component–determining the appropriate sequencing of materials, with attention to provenance and original order–and a physical component–the physical organization of the collections. The description process has involved identifying and recording information, such as creator, titles, dates, and contextual details, to ensure the collections’ contents are accurately represented according to archival standards. Descriptions often take the form of a finding aid, which Laura will generate. She will also import archival descriptions into the Becker archives database.
Dr. Laura Weis at the Bernard Becker Medical Library
Processing Approach
Laura's methodical approach to processing involves thorough research and preparation. Understanding the creators, key actors, entities, and the historical context is crucial. Laura delved into Dr. Cox's memoir and explored the history of biomedical computing at Washington University. She paid attention to how individuals organized their thoughts, categories they used, and their evolving perspectives over time. Consulting related collections and recording essential information, from names to technology, formed a foundation for effective processing.
Creating a Processing Plan
Becoming familiar with the expected content, Laura devised a comprehensive processing plan. This included a collection overview, inventory development, arrangement structure, physical arrangement of materials, and meticulous description. Laura's plan acknowledged the inevitability of unexpected discoveries during processing, emphasizing the importance of flexibility to accommodate detours and adjustments.
A snapshot of the processing plan Backlog developed for the Jerome R. Cox Papers.
Uncovering Connections and Enhancing Accessibility
Laura's familiarity with related collections played a pivotal role, not only for contextual understanding but also for practical reasons. Connections between items in different collections emerged during inventorying, prompting Laura to identify relationships between photographs in one collection and corresponding negatives in another. This dedication to detail enhances accessibility and contributes to more robust descriptions.
Beyond Processing
In addition to processing responsibilities, Laura actively contributes to the Becker Blog, providing valuable insights into the collections. Her commitment extends to curating an exhibit scheduled for early 2025, showcasing the significance of Backlog's archival staffing services in contributing to the broader mission of preserving and presenting historical materials.
A blog post written by Dr. Weis using the Biomedical Computing Records.
Backlog's arrangement and description services, exemplified by Laura's role at the Becker Medical Library, demonstrate a commitment to meticulous processing, contextual understanding, and enhancing accessibility. This case study illustrates the value of Backlog's expertise in providing skilled professionals who contribute significantly to the preservation and presentation of historical collections.