Here is my two cents on this issue. I agree w/the author from Russia who
prints out computerized records and binds them.

In 1996 we began using ARGUS computerized collections program by
Questor. It generates the next accession number and our Registrar uses
the program to create deeds, etc. She is the only one who works from the
signed deeds from the donors and works on that aspect of the
registrarial process on the computer. (Others use the program for
cataloging but don't have security access for other tasks.) I chose to
eliminate the handwritten accession ledger since it was duplicating
work, BUT we do print out an accession ledger from the computer and bind
it on a yearly basis.

The computer has NOT replaced signed deeds from the donors. These deeds
are the legal documents. They are printed on archival paper and kept in
fireproof safes. In addition, we have donor files which include copies
of the deeds, correspondence, and any other information pertaining to
that donor/person.

Others may surely disagree, but the HANDWRITTEN accession ledger did not
seem necessary anymore. I certainly understand the need to create a
record system that can't be tampered with. I think we are achieving that
through controlled access to computerized and paper records, locked and
fireproof safes, locked collections areas, and some duplication of
information.

But it is awfully hard to really prevent an "inside job" regarding
collections if the person(s) is really determined to cause damage.

Mary Ames Sheret
Curator of Collections
Southern Oregon Historical Society