Teresa,
We do both. If there are a large number of objects in a display case and an equal number of labels it can be very distracting to the viewer.
A museology student recently did a display of native american artifacts and had about 40 or so items in the display case. He used labels and had about 20 of them in with the objects. It was really crowded. In instances like this numbers work much better. If only a few objects are used, I like to have the information with the object. I find that people at exhibits have a short attention span when it comes to viewing objects. So, if it's possible, I like to have the info close at hand.
Jerry Fahey
Teresa Whitt wrote:

> My museum currently uses an acrylic number for each object on display.  The viewer will look for the corresponding number on the one-sheet label that is attached to the front of the case.  I use this system instead of individual labels beside each object in the case.  Some patrons seem to like this, while others seem completely oblivious to the main label, and instead, ask staff members for information on the objects.  I am interested in other museum's stand on labels.  To number or not to number, that is the question!
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