The original curators assigned numbers to the materials as they came in according to the agency donating or at times the agency creating the materials. This, though similar to archival arrangement, did not get detailed enough in the holdings of several agencies. As a result, the records of some agencies total over six linear feet, with no subdividing number for box or folder or item. As campus people hear of improvements, they consider the archives as a likely place to deposit records. So while we have not begun an aggressive campaign on campus to have agencies send their records to the University Archives, we receive materials anyway.
Success costs, however.
As the backlog grows, storage space needs approach the critical stage. Likewise, reference demands increase as researchers hear what materials we have and as we provide excellent reference assistance. Lest anyone reading this misunderstand, I wish to express gratitude to the many who have contributed to success in the Archives. The other librarians in the Department of Special Collections at the University of Hawaii Manoa have given immense support and encouragement while the department has funded student and paraprofessional help. The libraryadministration has been generous in providing the improved environment.