Photographing and processing the slides requires about one week to allow for re-shooting of any poor quality images. The cataloging process requires investigating the current holdings to maintain uniform data entry. Depending on the amount of information already provided with the image, the process can be quick or slow. If the current holdings are inconsistent in their data and require re-cataloging, or the cataloger needs to research the dates, media, locations, etc. The librarian performs all original cataloging to ensure accuracy and database continuity.
Students then clean, mask, and bind each slide in a protective glass mount.
Labels are affixed, and the finished slides are proofed before being filed into the collection. When large quantities of slides are requested it is often necessary to re-catalog sections of old slides as well to improve overall quality and accessibility of the subject matter. It is our goal to provide a high quality image, with accurate and complete cataloging information, and organize the collection so as to be logical and user-friendly. In order to achieve this level of service we ask that requestors keep in mind the amount of time required to perform these tasks. It is also helpful to keep in mind the exam schedules and semester breaks where we lose our student staff labor.