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Practical Methods for Processing Case Files: Lessons Learned from the ACLU Processing Project Adriane Hanson Project Archivist, ACLU Records Princeton University Don't Panic
Practical Methods for Processing Case Files: Lessons Learned from the ACLU Processing Project
Adriane HansonProject Archivist, ACLU Records
Princeton University
Don't Panic
We should provide access to legal records because they are important.
We can provide ethical access to legal records in a reasonable amount of time.
Where do I even begin?
• 2 year project to process ACLU Records • NHPRC funding• 2,525 linear feet• 1,637 boxes (65%) potentially case files• 0.5 FTE for one year for review
How does she know about this?
• Professional archivist to plan• Review by paraprofessional• Hiring: dependability, detail• Requires active supervising• QC throughout to identify new
developments and ensure attention
Who will do it?
• Donor Agreement • Donors• Legal literature• Create a guide as you go• Privacy laws
What do I have to look for?
• Donor Agreement • Donors• Legal literature• Create a guide as you go• Privacy laws
What do I have to look for?
ACLU Donor Agreement
• Analyze inventory • Reasonable sample • Will recognize patternso Slow for correspondenceo Speed up when court docs
Where do I look?
• Use your inventory • Box level vs. folder level closure• Physical notations vs. finding aid• Automatically calculate opening years
How do I keep track of it all?
• Feet: 1,637 feet • Analysis: 12.5 hrs/month or 5 min/ft• Supervision: 5 hrs/month• Review: 4 ft/hr, 410 hours
o 30 hrs/wk done in 3.5 monthso 20 hrs/wk done in 5 months
• Added 825 hours to the project (50%)
How long will all this take?
... I didn't have to do this anymore?
• Lawyers at the donor organization?• ACLU marked open boxes• Records managers at donor institution
could be your allies
What if...
... I don't have time?
• Review on demand• Review when shorter restriction open• Delegate• Form a restriction review team
What if...
... something gets missed?
Due diligence:• Reviewed the likely places• Reviewed a portion of each likely place• User agreement• Responsible to donor and patron
What if...
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