The Smithsonian apparently tacked this problem some years ago, and we did in
a museum where I worked in the 1980's. We developed a reproduction/prop
policy for repro or even original but use-appropriate or expendable
non-accessioned items, and used essentially the same accessioning number
procedure, but prefaced by "RP" to identify the objects. Disposal, when
appropriate, was handled in the same way we categorised appropriate disposal
methods for regular collection items, which was  according to value.  These
procedures were in the decessioning part of our collections policy.

-----Original Message-----
From: LIHO Museum Services <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 12 March 1998 17:32
Subject: inventory of exhibit props


>     Friends,
>
>     We, as do many historic sites, have a number of exhibit props (fake
>     food, fake plant materials, seasonal decorations, etc.) that we wish
>     to keep track of but don't want to accession into the collection.  We
>     will probably create some sort of tracking system parallel to, but a
>     bit simpler than, our accession system.  What have you folks done
>     about this?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>     TIA
>
>     Linda
>
>     Linda Norbut Suits, Curator
>     Lincoln Home National Historic Site
>     413 South Eighth Street
>     Springfield, IL 62701-1905
>     USA
>
>     voice      217.492.4241 x239
>     Fax        217.492.4673
>     e-mail     [log in to unmask]
>     http       www.nps.gov/liho