In working with multiple collections, we have learned how to pace
ourselves when assimilating new materials in new formats and
developing new workflow plans. Thus far, our collections have been
relatively small. While starting off with smaller projects is
recommended for determining equipment and training benchmarks,
it still takes time to develop plans for small collections that vary in
dimension and format. Each collection requires the design of different
sets of instructions based upon equipment specifications, and the
research and analysis of best practices for different media formats
(e.g. scanning images from an oversized bound ledger requires
different handling and equipment than scanning an envelope full of
negative transparencies). The preservation of a consistent workflow is
balanced alongside the need to pay extra attention to establishing
effective communication of detailed plans and best practices to all
students, staff and librarians. Consistency in communication is
challenged by having to negotiate the different hills and valleys in
everyones' levels of technical training and best practice
comprehension, a common problem when working with a diverse
group of students, staff and faculty in different areas of specialization
(Gueguen & Hanlon, 2009).