n.the practice of preparing archival resources for use with limited initial labor and the intention of further work based on appraisal or user demandSantamaria 2015, 15An extensible processing program ensures that baseline descriptions of all collections material held by an archives or library area available online as quickly as possible, with more detailed descriptive work conducted later based on user demand and assessment of the research value and state of collections.Shein et al. 2020, 34Iterative/extensible processing—performing the next level of processing built upon quality baseline processing performed during accessioningStephan 2021, 6–7Extensible processing and the DACS “Statement of Principles” call for archivists to revisit description when use demonstrates the need to do so.deGraffenreid 2024, 282Minimal and extensible processing practices prioritize managing collections as commodities to be placed in front of the user. As archives cannot exist without use, user-centric practices should be prioritized.deGraffenreid 2024, 286The three overarching goals of both extensible processing practices and inclusive practices are access, ethical stewardship, and sustainability. Minimal and extensible practices emphasize an ethic of care that prioritizes access to and use of all materials. This prioritizes sustainability by emphasizing eliminating backlogs, opening unprocessed collections for use, and prioritizing further work based on available resources and use to create a sustainable, long-term program of collection management.
