While a certain amount of file-level arrangement is likely to be done for all collections, this level of work can be carried out to different extents within a given collection, series, or sub-series. Factors to consider include the overall significance of the collection and/or of particular series or sub-series within the collection, as well as the extent and physical condition of the material.
When conducting file-level arrangement, it is important to consider the relationship between arrangement and description. In order to facilitate file-level description, files may need to be arranged at the file level. However, material that will be described at the box level may not require file-level arrangement.
What constitutes the “file” varies depending on the extent of the material and the general approach to the processing project. An example illustrates degrees of file-level arrangement, represented by file-level description:
More detailed (with files for each title in the Books sub-series arranged chronologically, in order of the creative process):
Writings
Books
My first novel
Contract (1 folder)
Drafts (5 folders)
Setting copy (1 folder)
Galley proofs (3 folders)
Reviews (1 folder)
Correspondence, agent and publisher (1 folder)
Fan mail (2 folders)
Royalty statements (1 folder)
Film adaptation (4 folders)
Less detailed (with files for titles in the Books sub-series arranged alphabetically; lower-level files within each title file are not described, and not necessarily arranged in any order):
Writings
Books
Autobiography (7 folders)
My first novel (19 folders)
Sequel to my first novel (10 folders)
A certain amount of item-level analysis may be required to carry out file-level arrangement. However, it is not necessary to examine all items within all files. More detailed approaches might call for, at most, targeted study of items within certain files.