I am a second year museum studies graduate student, and was hoping to 
collect feedback for a collections study on storage and documentation.  I 
would be deeply appreciative any aid you might provide.  I am interested in 
hearing your feelings and/or concerns on these topics, as there are few 
articles written.  If possible, please respond to one or more of the following 
questions.  

- What are your feelings concerning the growing problem of inadequate 
storage space in museums?  Do you have any ideas/suggestions to possible 
solutions? (I’m looking into possibilities for institutions of various sizes).  

- Bar coding vs traditional labeling techniques (lacquers, tags, etc.):  which 
system do you prefer or would you prefer to use both?

- Does your institute utilize bar coding or another form of electronic marking?  
If so, what are the positives and negatives of the system? 

- Databases vs the card catalog.  Most museums now utilize some type of 
computer database to manage their collection, and some museums have or will 
soon be eliminating their card catalog entirely to place trust in only the 
electronic system.  Do you agree with this, or would you prefer to use and 
maintain both systems? 

Thank you for your time and help.
Sincerely,
~ Julie Choma

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