Assessment of Technical Services Workflow in an Academic Library: A Time-and-Path Study

Abstract

In spring 2004, the Technical Services area at East Carolina University's Joyner Library conducted a time-and-path study of materials moving through the area from receipt until they are ready for the shelf. This study represented the first step in an ongoing self-assessment process. Data was gathered using flags placed in materials as they were unpacked. Staff members filled out the flags with the description of each processing task they completed and the date the item left their possession. This article describes the design of the study and gives an analysis of the results, as well as detailing some changes that could improve future studies.