Example SOPs: Record Librarian

Record Librarian SOPs

Creating Standard Operating Procedures for your Record Librarian work can be difficult and take time. That’s why we’ve created these example Record Librarian SOPs so you can jumpstart your SOP creation process. We want to help you set up your Library systems and processes by taking these sample SOPs and building out your own SOPs template library. By having all your Library procedures in one place, your team will have the information they need at all times. Let’s look at some Record Librarian SOP examples.

Record Librarian SOP Examples

1. SOP: Record Acquisition and Cataloging
Purpose: This SOP outlines the process of acquiring new records for the library’s collection and cataloging them appropriately. It ensures that all records are properly identified, labeled, and organized for easy retrieval by library patrons. The SOP also includes guidelines for assigning unique identifiers, entering metadata, and maintaining accurate records of acquisitions.
Scope: This SOP applies to all record librarians involved in the acquisition and cataloging process.
Person Responsible: Record Librarian or designated staff responsible for acquisitions and cataloging.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to record selection, vendor management, and cataloging standards.

2. SOP: Record Preservation and Conservation
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for the preservation and conservation of records in the library’s collection. It outlines procedures for handling, storing, and protecting records from damage or deterioration. The SOP also includes instructions for implementing appropriate preservation techniques, such as digitization or reformatting, to ensure long-term accessibility and usability of the records.
Scope: This SOP applies to all record librarians responsible for the preservation and conservation of records.
Person Responsible: Record Librarian or designated staff responsible for preservation and conservation activities.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to handling fragile materials, environmental controls, and disaster recovery.

3. SOP: Record Retrieval and Circulation
Purpose: This SOP details the process of retrieving records from the library’s collection and facilitating their circulation to library patrons. It includes guidelines for locating requested records, checking them out to patrons, and maintaining accurate circulation records. The SOP also covers procedures for handling interlibrary loans, reserves, and returns.
Scope: This SOP applies to all record librarians involved in the retrieval and circulation of records.
Person Responsible: Record Librarian or designated staff responsible for managing record circulation.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to patron registration, circulation policies, and interlibrary loan procedures.

4. SOP: Record Weeding and Disposal
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for the systematic weeding and disposal of records from the library’s collection. It outlines procedures for evaluating records based on their relevance, condition, and usage statistics to determine whether they should be retained, transferred to archives, or discarded. The SOP also includes instructions for proper disposal methods, such as shredding or recycling, to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection regulations.
Scope: This SOP applies to all record librarians responsible for the weeding and disposal of records.
Person Responsible: Record Librarian or designated staff responsible for collection management and disposal.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to collection assessment, retention policies, and legal requirements for record disposal.

5. SOP: Record Reference and Research Services
Purpose: This SOP outlines the procedures for providing reference and research services to library patrons seeking information from the record collection. It includes guidelines for assisting patrons in locating relevant records, conducting searches, and providing accurate and timely information. The SOP also covers procedures for handling reference inquiries, maintaining confidentiality, and documenting reference transactions.
Scope: This SOP applies to all record librarians involved in providing reference and research services.
Person Responsible: Record Librarian or designated staff responsible for reference and research services.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to reference interview techniques, online databases, and information literacy instruction

Record Librarian SOP Templates

Looking for SOP templates for your Record Librarian work? We’ve got you covered. You can build out your company SOPs using the sample SOP information above (added to our template) or our team can put together a starter SOPs template based on your Record Librarian work. Get in touch if you’ve got questions about the quickest way to build out your Library SOPs library.