No one has yet suggested factoring in who is doing the processing. An experienced processor, an entry-level project archivist, or an intern? My very first collection as a graduate assistant was a whopping 0.25 linear feet and it took me TWO WEEKS (half time, but still)! Now, I would classify myself as speedy--I once processed 54 collections in a week. (Okay, they were very small collections, but that's still a lot of finding aids). In my current position, I started with the estimate of 8 hours per linear foot, but have since increased that estimate to 12-15 hours per foot for projects using entry-level professional staff. There's still variation depending on the level of processing--we are gleefully trying some of the time-saving tips recommended at last year's SAA meeting--and condition of the collection. -- Anne L. Foster, CA Archivist Alaska and Polar Regions Collections University of Alaska Fairbanks P O Box 756808/310 Tanana Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99775-6808 (907)474-5590 [log in to unmask] FAX: (907)474-6365 A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>