Dear Craig,
let me articulate only a plain idea: what museums are needing are
1) an object-orientated view (positive data like material, style, measurements
etc.
2) an subject-orientated view (positive data on the historical role of the
objects for subjects like a herited watch, a glass ball used for sessions)
3) and a useful, present and future oriented interpretation of the collected
objects.
This make the difference between a collector and a museum.
Best regards
CMS
Verlag Dr. C. Müller-Straten, Kunzweg 23, D-81243 München,
Tel/Fax: 089-839 690 43, http://WebMuseen.de/VERLAGCMS
MAGAZINES AND BOOKS IN MUSEOLOGY (GERMAN/ENGLISH)+ GERMAN THESAURI