We are in the process of associating each of our artifacts with a unique bar
code number.  How would you recommend attaching the bar code label to the
object?  We don't intend to actually tape the label directly onto an object,
but we're wondering which option to pursue.  Ones we've considered are:
        (1) attaching the bar code label to the outside of the box in which
                we store the object when it's not on display, or
        (2) sticking the label onto a piece of acid-free cardstock which is
                either stuck inside the object or attached to it using a wire
                or a string.  But what if the object is too small to contain
                a label or has nothing to tie a string to?

Also, we're wondering if museum registrars still recommend permanently marking
objects with an accession number (cf. *Museum Registration Methods*, p. 51-53)?
Coming at this from an archival perspective we're wanting to abide by the
principle of never doing something that's irreversible.  "Do no harm."

We appreciate any help and advice you can send us.

*********************************************************

Todd Ellison, Archivist and Associate Professor
Center of Southwest Studies             Ph.: 970/247-7126
Fort Lewis College                      FAX: 970/247-7422
1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO  81301-3999

e-mail:    [log in to unmask]
Web site:  http://academic.fortlewis.edu/~ellison_t/