6.3 Identification of Technical Service Functions

The functions included in technical services may vary from depository library to depository library but two operations generally form the basis of all technical services: acquisitions and cataloging. Many depository libraries also include processing of materials as a function of technical services.

Acquisition of depository materials includes selection, receipt, and processing. Selection of materials is discussed in chapter 5 of this Handbook under Collection Development. For a brief discussion of receipt and processing of depository materials, see below.