Eastern Languages Monograph Box Opening

By Heather Baker
2 min

Scope: Process of opening newly arrived freight in Eastern Languages (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish)

Contact: Sara Biondi

Unit: Monograph Acquisitions

Date last reviewed: 3/12/2025

Date of next review: 9/12/2025

Eastern Monographic Order Box Opening

  • Locate (or put!) specialized foreign language boxes in receiving areas: Chinese, Japanese/Korean, Russian/Ukrainian, Arabic/Turkish. You will need a utility knife (please request training if necessary).

  • Check to see if boxes are numbered. If so, locate all boxes and unpack them in order.

  • Be careful when unpacking boxes to : 

    • Lift boxes properly (do not lean over, keep box close to you when lifting, maintain straight back with curve in spine - “lift with your knees”). 

    • Never cut towards you when using the utility knife—cut to one side or away from you. Cut with the box/package set on a firm surface.

  • Open boxes and pull out invoice/packing slip for review.

  • Stamp or mark invoice or packing list with received date and write your initials.

  • For each box that you unpack and load onto a truck or shelf, place the invoice (or packing slip, address label) in the first book on the truck, tipping the book forward so it lies on its spine. Always make sure everything you unpack from the box stays together on the truck/shelf, and place books in invoice order.

  • Check the number of items listed on the invoice against the number of books in the box. If the number does not match, make note of this. (Note: when you add up the number of books listed on the invoice, be sure to check the quantity, since there may be multiple copies or volumes for one title.)

Typically this workflow is followed by property stamping and inserting security strips. Basic Monograph Shelf Preparation has information on these processes.

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