Roteiro para manuais de procedimentos em bibliotecas universitárias: aplicação no processamento técnico da Biblioteca Professora Etelvina Lima

Abstract

Information management in university libraries requires the standardization and systematization of their processes to ensure efficiency and consistency in activities. However, the absence of formal records of technical procedures in university libraries can compromise the standardization and efficiency of the services provided. In this context, this research proposes a framework for developing procedural manuals for university libraries, using the descriptive cataloging, indexing, and classification processes of the Professor Etelvina Lima Library (BPEL) at UFMG as a case study. The guiding research question was: How can the formalization of activities carried out in the technical processing sector of a university library be systematized into a procedural manual. Defined four objectives for answer this question: (1) to understand the processes that comprise technical processing; (2) to map the empirical practices carried out in the studied unit; (3) to develop a framework for the construction of procedural manuals; and (4) to test this framework in the development of a specific manual for BPEL. The research adopted a qualitative approach based on a case study and employed multiple data collection methods. An artificial participant observation was conducted to map the sector practices without direct interference. A semi-structured probing script was also applied, based on a non-directive interview, to capture librarians' perceptions regarding technical processes. Furthermore, 33 procedural manuals from different libraries and administrative sectors were analyzed, enabling the identification of structural patterns and recurring elements. The results indicated the absence of a formalized manual at BPEL, which led to operational inconsistencies, such as differences in document indexing and the lack of standardized guidelines for classifying unconventional materials. The manual analysis revealed that elements such as table of contents (30 occurrences), introduction/presentation (29), cataloging (23), classification (13), and indexing (8) were commonly found, while glossaries and appendices appeared less frequently. Based on these findings, a methodological framework was developed for constructing procedural manuals, covering planning, execution, and validation stages. The model was applied at BPEL, specifically for descriptive cataloging, indexing, and classification processes, creating the first procedural manual for the unit's technical processing sector. The framework's application confirmed its feasibility and allowed adjustments to the document format, ensuring its functionality and adaptability for different university libraries. The results suggest that the framework can be replicated in other university libraries, contributing to standardization, professional training, and the continuity of services in the technical processing sector. It is concluded that formalizing technical processes through procedural manuals strengthens information governance and enhances document management in university libraries. Moreover, the developed framework can be a reference for future standardizations, ensuring greater efficiency and quality in knowledge organization.