On survey fatigue
Yes Dale, I think you are right. We all get them and get tired of poorly worded questions and too numerous inquiries.
Linda Chatfield
Time Again Co
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There are 20 messages totaling 3738 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. survey fatigue (2)
2. Help visualize the future of museums and vote for Most Promising Material
of the Future!
3. 17th c. beaded christening basket (3)
4. Christening basket
5. JOB: Permanent Archives Technician at Everglades National Park
6. out of the box - reaching for "different" audiences?
7. Reflective Background Ideas (5)
8. Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters (4)
9. lighting grid placements?
10. IMLS/Congressional Grant Workshops in Colorado and Wyoming
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:22:49 -0400
From: Dale Jones <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: survey fatigue
I am posting this for a colleague. Do any of you have any thoughts (or
better yet research results) about this?
"Is there any danger of "survey fatigue" setting in and skewing our data?
For instance, I have noticed a significant increase in the number of e-mail
surveys that I receive over the past two years. As a result, my personal
commitment to completing surveys sent to me via this channel has
deteriorated. Similarly, it seems like every time I go to a "big box" store
or fast food chain anymore they encourage me to go online to take their
customer satisfaction survey. The first couple of times I did, but then the
novelty wore off and I don't do it anymore. I'm wondering if our visitors
might react the same way if we start hitting them with surveys every time
they participate in a program, or if this is a valid concern at all."
Thanks for your thoughts!
Dale
Dale Jones
Making History Connections
[log in to unmask]
www.makinghistoryconnections.com
443-472-2670
14011 Ardara Ct
Glenwood MD 21738
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:48:40 -0400
From: Guzel duChateau <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Help visualize the future of museums and vote for Most Promising Material of the Future!
Colleagues,
Last fall, CFM lecturer Dr. Jane McGonigal pointed out that the work of
futurists isn¹t to predict the future, but to identify the ³materials of the
future²‹products, ideas or services that have the potential to have a
profound effect on the way we live decades from now. At the annual meeting,
we invited FutureQuest players to vote for ³most promising material of the
future,² based on their potential effect on museums, from among the
products, ideas and services showcased by vendors in MuseumExpo.
Well, this contest ended in a three-way tie, and we are turning to you to
determine the winner.
The contestants are Fentress Architects, GestureTek, and GreenGuestbook.
How can you assess the potential of a ³material of the future²? Prime your
imagination by asking yourself, ³what, in the past, made such a big
difference in the way that museums operate that the field would look very
different, today, if it never existed?² Three examples: air-conditioning,
blockbuster buster exhibits, and the principles of accessibility/universal
design. Then examine our three finalists, and look forward in time to
envision how museums might look or behave differently through using these
products or services. Which ones might change the landscape of how we
operate? Open up new horizons? Decide which finalist you think will make the
biggest difference, if broadly adopted, in ten or twenty year¹s time.
Please vote at http://futureofmuseums.org/events/materialofthefuture.cfm
Voting closes on July 9th.
Winners will be announced July 13.
Many thanks and happy voting!
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________
Guzel duChateau € Program Coordinator, Center for the Future of Museums €
American Association of Museums
1575 Eye Street NW, Suite 400 | Washington, DC 20005
(: +1.202.218.7681 | 7: +1.202.289.6578 | *: [log in to unmask]
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:41:51 -0400
From: natalya hopper <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: 17th c. beaded christening basket
Hello all:
For my work study experience at the Maidstone Museum in Southeastern England we putting together a display on embroidery and beadwork titled "Its All in the Detail." I am researching a mid-seventeenth century basket that is made of colored beads and metal wire, given by Lady Cornwallis. It is very elaborate and the accession entry refers to it as a "Christening basket." I found a similar basket on the Bard website (its the object of the month) and wondered if any one had any ideas about how such an intricate piece would be used (a Christening gift?). There is a link to the example on the Bard website below. Thanks in advance.
http://www.bgc.bard.edu/object_month/120508/oom_120508_image_related_3.shtml
Cheers,
Natalya Hopper
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:02:35 EDT
From: Barbara Hass <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: 17th c. beaded christening basket
Maybe the Bard research people could help you ??
Research Department, Bard Graduate Center
18 West 86th Street | New York, NY | 10024 | Phone: 212-501-3019 |
[log in to unmask] _ (mailto:[log in to unmask] )
Barbara Hass, retired librarian
In a message dated 6/16/2009 9:44:41 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
http://www.bgc.bard.edu/object_month/120508/oom_120508_image_related_3.shtml
**************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy
Steps!
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:15:44 -0500
From: Sylvia Matiko <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: survey fatigue
Dale,
Yes, there definitely can be "survey fatigue". In order to minimize
this from happening, the degree of success of any survey usually
hinges on
3 dynamics:
1. Relationship: The existing relationship you have with the survey
respondent. If you have a meaningful relationship with the respondent,
then they will more than likely help and you can get quality information
about a topic they are interested in (since they did attend your
program/
exhibition). The closer or deeper the relationship the more information
you can obtain.
The way in which we recruit the respondents and invite them to
participate in a survey all contribute to ensuring high response rates.
2. Frequency: How often are they getting "hit" with your survey.
Again, if you have a "real" relationship it's easier to hit them more
often however this dwindles down after a while, which leads to the
next dynamic.
We have to accept that everyone has a tolerance limit and if a survey is
sent 10 times a year then eventually the respondent will hit the delete
button. If we behave in a responsible manner then there is no reason why
the right person will not receive say four email surveys a year.
3. Reward: Is there a reward for participating? At first,
respondents don't mind "helping a friend" by giving their feedback.
Again, it goes to relationship. However, it you keep asking and the
frequency increases, the "nice feeling" they got in helping you a few
times, soon dissipates without some other form of reward system in
place.
In a survey we recently did for a client we were able to 'buy' the level
of responses that we wanted by using a survey panel provider that
provides a reward to the respondent for each survey they complete.
4. Repetition - if you keep asking the same questions but the
respondent has answered these questions and sees no change or has seen
no communication that would indicate that their views matter the
response rate will decline
In summary, there are things we can do to seek to ensure that we reward
our respondents either in a relationship way as making a contribution or
one that is also influenced with a pecuniary reward.
If we inundate our respondents eventually there will be fatigue.
As we exist in a competitive environment we can expect that our
respondents will also receive other surveys and this should make us
consider how we invite them, the quality of the survey task they have to
undertake and then the frequency with which we ask them to do it.
We hope this helps. If you'd like more information, please don't
hesitate to contact me.
Sylvia Matiko, Co-Founder
VividView, A Division of A Different View
www.vividviewonline.com
www.adifferentviewonline.com
Phone: (615) 790-8707
On Jun 16, 2009, at 8:22 AM, Dale Jones wrote:
> I am posting this for a colleague. Do any of you have any thoughts
> (or better yet research results) about this?
>
> "Is there any danger of “survey fatigue” setting in and skewing our
> data? For instance, I have noticed a significant increase in the
> number of e-mail surveys that I receive over the past two years. As
> a result, my personal commitment to completing surveys sent to me
> via this channel has deteriorated. Similarly, it seems like every
> time I go to a “big box” store or fast food chain anymore they
> encourage me to go online to take their customer satisfaction
> survey. The first couple of times I did, but then the novelty wore
> off and I don’t do it anymore. I’m wondering if our visitors might
> react the same way if we start hitting them with surveys every time
> they participate in a program, or if this is a valid concern at all."
>
>
> Thanks for your thoughts!
>
>
> Dale
>
> Dale Jones
>
> Making History Connections
> [log in to unmask]
> www.makinghistoryconnections.com
> 443-472-2670
> 14011 Ardara Ct
> Glenwood MD 21738
>
> ========================================================= Important
> Subscriber Information:
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> . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands
> by sending a one line e-mail message to
> [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
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>
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>
Sylvia Matiko
A Different View
5543 Edmondson Pike #39
Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: (615) 790-8707
www.adifferentviewonline.com
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:35:19 -0400
From: Alexis Mucha <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: 17th c. beaded christening basket
Hello,
I work at the Bard Graduate Center, where we had the basket you mentioned on exhibition this past winter. The basket is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 39.13.1, and a similar one is in the collection of Colonial Williamburg, G1954-234. The baskets were discussed in the catalogue published by Yale University Press for the exhibition, English Embroidery from the Metropolitan Museum of Art1580-1700, 'Twixt Art and Nature. Andrew Morrall and Melinda Watt were the exhibition curators and catalogue editors.
This is from the beginning of the catalogue entry on the basket in the exhibition catalogue:
"This elaborate beadwork basket is one of a group of similar suriving examples that have been compared to silver baskets of the comparable form that were traditionally used to hold a child's clothes during the christening ceremony. Although such beadwork baskets did not lend themselves to this kind of a practical use, their imagery is also usually celebratory and commemorative of marriage or betrothal." There are a few references and citations within the catalogue entry that you may find helpful to consult.
Best regards,
Alexis Mucha
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:41:51 -0400
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] 17th c. beaded christening basket
To: [log in to unmask]
Hello all:
For my work study experience at the Maidstone Museum in Southeastern England we putting together a display on embroidery and beadwork titled "Its All in the Detail." I am researching a mid-seventeenth century basket that is made of colored beads and metal wire, given by Lady Cornwallis. It is very elaborate and the accession entry refers to it as a "Christening basket." I found a similar basket on the Bard website (its the object of the month) and wondered if any one had any ideas about how such an intricate piece would be used (a Christening gift?). There is a link to the example on the Bard website below. Thanks in advance.
http://www.bgc.bard.edu/object_month/120508/oom_120508_image_related_3.shtml
Cheers,
Natalya Hopper
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:29:58 -0400
From: "Chervenak, Mary B." <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Christening basket
To Natalya Hopper:
We have one beaded "christening basket" (accession # 53.2.4 ) in our
collection. You can access a description and a picture of it on our
website (www.cmog.org). Click on browse the collection and search for
"beaded basket" or 53.2.4. If you contact the Rakow library, the
librarians may have further information, perhaps even a bibliography.
There is at least one book in the library: Yesterday's Children by Sally
Kevill-Davies (NK2750.K43) with several pictures of christening or
layette baskets and a description of their use. The museum list-serve
rejects images sent by email.
Regards,
Mary B. Chervenak, Assistant
Office of Rights and Reproductions
The Corning Museum of Glass
Corning, NY 14830
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:20:06 -0400
From: Nancy Russell <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: JOB: Permanent Archives Technician at Everglades National Park
The South Florida Collections Management Center at Everglades National Park has a permanent (subject to furlough) archives technician position available. For more information see job announcemnt AT261496 at www.usajobs.gov
The position is a GS-7 ($40-52K) and is open until July 6th. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested.
Thanks
Nancy Russell
Museum Curator
Everglades National Park
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:26:12 -0400
From: Cindy Boyer <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: out of the box - reaching for "different" audiences?
Hello list
I am looking for examples of programs, events or services where the
institution has gone beyond their "regular" audience to reach out to
those who have not attended or visited before. What has worked/not
worked?
For example, an art museum used to host a type of "first Friday" evening
beer/wine event on their pretty extensive grounds to attract young
adults. It was very successful in attracting the young adults - but
they stayed outside and drank beer & partied, and did not go into the
museum. It seems it did not translate into that demographic visiting at
another time or joining, either.
I am especially interested in the experiences of smaller institutions
(under 100 staff) and historic sites or museums - but would be glad to
read whatever you'd like to share.
Cindy Boyer
Director of Museums and Education
The Landmark Society of Western New York
133 S. Fitzhugh St.
Rochester NY 14608
(585) 546-7029 ext. 12
[log in to unmask]
The Landmark Society: Revitalizing Yesterday, Protecting Today, and
Planning for Tomorrow
www.landmarksociety.org <http://www.landmarksociety.org/>
Confessions of a Preservationist: The Landmark Society blog
<http://landmarksocietywny.blogspot.com/>
Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12149056258> / MySpace
<http://www.myspace.com/landmarksociety>
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:22:08 -0400
From: "Joshua K. Blay HSBC" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Reflective Background Ideas
Hello all!
We're working on a little problem here. Trying to come up with a
low-cost and light weight solution to have reflective material in the
back of large exhibit cases. We tried a couple films adhered to a board
but they just aren't clear enough.
Mirrors are heavy and expensive. Any other ideas?
Best regards,
Joshua K. Blay
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:30:45 -0400
From: "Bateman, Curtis" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters
Hello (and please excuse the length of this email),
I'm calling on all those with strong opinions in regards to object
numbering methods. My colleagues and I in DC have often debated this
issue and it never ceases to amaze us how extreme our views can get over
such a simple question. And so I now pose the question all of you: When
numbering an object that has multiple/related parts, is it best to give
each object its own unique number or would you group the objects under
one number and then delineate the parts with letters? For example, you
have a Tea Set with 6 cups. Would you, A.) number each cup individually
- 2009.1.1, 2009.1.2, etc., or B.) give each cup the same number but
with a letter at the end - 2009.1.1a, 2009.1.1b, etc.?
While this seems like a simple question, it is one that goes to the very
heart of proper collections management. Every single piece of
literature out there will advise you to never, ever incorporate a letter
in your number. Their reasoning: each object has its own history so why
give it the same number as something else? A tea cup is not the same as
the box it came in; they're made from different mediums, have different
conditions, different uses, etc. So why give them the same number?
Also, the inclusion of letters with numbers might be lead to confusion.
Consider a Board Game that has 65 parts. Since there are only 26
letters in the alphabet, the first 26 parts would be a-z, then aa-zz,
then aaa-ccc. The object as a whole would be labeled as
'2009.1.1a-ccc.' This can get very confusing and cumbersome in regards
to space. Proponents of strictly-numbers also mention computer
databases, which naturally prefer a catalog system based upon numbers
only. If an object has related parts, this can be noted in the object's
physical file as well as its database file.
On the flip side, proponents of using letters will tell you that the
presence of a letter automatically ties the object with a related
object. Teacup A by its very nature is related to Teacup B and so on.
In the unfortunately scenario whereby you lose your records, the
presence of a letter at the end of a number will keep that relationship
intact whereas the strictly-numbers approach would not convey that
relationship. Take the Board Game example above, using the
strictly-numbers approach you would label the object as '2009.1.1-65.'
This appears simpler but what happens if you misplace 1 piece of that
game, say object '2009.1.45,' only to find it elsewhere in storage? You
would have no idea where it goes, or if its part of a game or anything.
It would become even more confusing if the person who donated the game
also donated 50 other objects. The first 25 objects accessioned could
each be one object with no related parts (1-25), but object 26 might be
the first piece of the Board Game. In that case, object 45 doesn't tell
you anything! You'd have to look up the number in your catalog, and if
you lose your records then the object's identification becomes a
complete guessing game. Whereas if the object was '2009.1.26f,' you
automatically know that it is 6th object accessioned of the group
beginning with 26a. You wouldn't have to consult your records, you'd
just find the Board Game '2009.1.26a' and put the piece back. Those in
favor of letters state that 'The object ID should tell you as much as it
can about the object without having to consult your records.' For
example, 2009.1.1a informs you the object was accessioned in 2009, it
was the first accession of that year, it was the first object in that
accession, and that object has a related part, presumably 2009.1.1b and
possibly more.
I am sure most of you here, although not all, are part of a museum in
which the numbering system was already in place when you arrived, in
which case a complete overhaul might be deemed unnecessary. In my case
however, our museum has just been created and the accessioning process
has yet to begin. I have the opportunity to create a proper, organized
and sensible numbering system from the ground floor. If you were in my
shoes what would you suggest for objects with multiple/relate parts:
strictly numbers or numbers with letter delineation?
For those of you who read through this entire email, Thank You! I look
forward to your responses!
Curtis Bateman
IBEW Museum
(202) 728-7691
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:27:47 -0700
From: Randy Little <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Reflective Background Ideas
http://www.mylarstoreonline.com/50ft.html
Randy S. Little
http://reel.rslittle.com
http://imdb.com/name/nm2325729/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rslittle
On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 1:22 PM, Joshua K. Blay HSBC <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello all!
>
> We're working on a little problem here. Trying to come up with a low-cost
> and light weight solution to have reflective material in the back of large
> exhibit cases. We tried a couple films adhered to a board but they just
> aren't clear enough.
>
> Mirrors are heavy and expensive. Any other ideas?
>
> Best regards,
>
> Joshua K. Blay
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
> information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
> to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "help" (without the quotes).
>
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> [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>
=========================================================
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:31:09 -0400
From: Heidi Campbell-Shoaf <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Reflective Background Ideas
I was able to order a plexi mirror from my local glass shop that I then
velcroed to the back of the case. It is much lighter than glass and about
1/8" thick.
Heidi Campbell-Shoaf
Executive Director
Historical Society of Frederick County
24 E. Church St.
Frederick MD 21701
301.663.1188
www.hsfcinfo.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Joshua K. Blay HSBC
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Reflective Background Ideas
Hello all!
We're working on a little problem here. Trying to come up with a
low-cost and light weight solution to have reflective material in the
back of large exhibit cases. We tried a couple films adhered to a board
but they just aren't clear enough.
Mirrors are heavy and expensive. Any other ideas?
Best regards,
Joshua K. Blay
=========================================================
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The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
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to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).
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[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).
=========================================================
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:34:26 -0400
From: "Vetter, Kara" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Reflective Background Ideas
I know that that several companies make mirrored plexi glass in sheets,
so that would solve the clarity issue. Depending on the size of the
case many companies can make a 1/8" sheet up to 24"x48" in size. A quick
google search under Mirrored plexiglass found several distribution
websites that may prove fruitful. I don't know how you'd attach, but
it's worth a shot if the "foil" idea doesn't pan out.
Kara
Kara S. Vetter, Registrar | Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites |
650 West Washington St. | M-F, 9-5
Indianapolis, IN 46204 | T: 317.232.8179 | F: 317-234-1724 | C:
636-633-6097 | [log in to unmask]
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Joshua K. Blay HSBC
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Reflective Background Ideas
Hello all!
We're working on a little problem here. Trying to come up with a
low-cost and light weight solution to have reflective material in the
back of large exhibit cases. We tried a couple films adhered to a board
but they just aren't clear enough.
Mirrors are heavy and expensive. Any other ideas?
Best regards,
Joshua K. Blay
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
read "help" (without the quotes).
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"Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
=========================================================
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:08:52 -0400
From: Candace Perry <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Reflective Background Ideas
Josh -- mirror tiles might be a quick and dirty option.
Candace Perry
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Vetter, Kara
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Reflective Background Ideas
I know that that several companies make mirrored plexi glass in sheets,
so that would solve the clarity issue. Depending on the size of the
case many companies can make a 1/8" sheet up to 24"x48" in size. A quick
google search under Mirrored plexiglass found several distribution
websites that may prove fruitful. I don't know how you'd attach, but
it's worth a shot if the "foil" idea doesn't pan out.
Kara
Kara S. Vetter, Registrar | Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites |
650 West Washington St. | M-F, 9-5
Indianapolis, IN 46204 | T: 317.232.8179 | F: 317-234-1724 | C:
636-633-6097 | [log in to unmask]
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Joshua K. Blay HSBC
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Reflective Background Ideas
Hello all!
We're working on a little problem here. Trying to come up with a
low-cost and light weight solution to have reflective material in the
back of large exhibit cases. We tried a couple films adhered to a board
but they just aren't clear enough.
Mirrors are heavy and expensive. Any other ideas?
Best regards,
Joshua K. Blay
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
read "help" (without the quotes).
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to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
"Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
=========================================================
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to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).
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[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).
=========================================================
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:58:38 -0600
From: Timothy McShane <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters
Hi, Curtis;
First off, good for you for getting these issues worked out before any
accessioning takes place. The best solution is to define a standardized
system, prepare a written guide to how the system works, then use it
consistently. Beyond that, the nuts and bolts of how it all works is
really a matter of preference.
Our system is a real jumble--started off in the 1940s with two part
accession numbers (ie., 48.1--year and object within that year). Bumped
up to three part in the 1950s, with a regression to two-part in the
early 1960s (we've pretty much standardized all that since by just
adding a .1 onto the end of all the two-part numbers). From the start,
we used letters to indicate pieces of a set--that was changed
(partially) in the 1990s, when our collections manager at the time
changed all the letters to numbers, as a fourth number (so, 72.38.1A
became 72.38.1.1) Unfortunately, she only changed the number in the
database--not in the accession ledger (which, actually, she wasn't
keeping) not in the paper records, not on the artefact itself. This has
created enormous confusion among our collections volunteers, who each
have to be trained that, yes, 72.38.1A is the same thing as 72.38.1.1.
Problem is that she accessioned all her new accessions by the same
numbering system--so, while I've reverted back to 'As' and 'Bs' on the
older accessions, the ones from her time still have the fourth, and
sometimes fifth, number on them (the fifth comes up with, say, a tea pot
that's part of a set, and the set part of a larger donation--we end up
with a number like 2002.21.106.4.2--year, lot, object (the tea set),
part of the object (the pot), secondary part of the object (lid). So,
straight number systems can get pretty long, too.
The only change we've had since then is to go to a four digit year
code, starting in 2000.
For your board game example, the one with 65 parts labeled with
letters, you don't have to end up with a-ccc; instead of repeating the
letters, make your second round all starting with "A", then run through
the alphabet again, behind "A" (ie., your 30th piece would be
2009.1.1AD). If you go through the alphabet again, start your next
series with 'B' (so, the 53rd item would be 2009.1.1BA).
Really, any system that assigns a unique alpha/numeric code to your
individual objects will work. Consistency is the key to making a system
that will make sense to the people that have to use it.
Cheers,
------------------------------------------------------------
Tim McShane, Assistant--Cultural History
Esplanade Museum
401 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8W2
Tel: (403) 502-8587
[log in to unmask]
>>> "Bateman, Curtis" <[log in to unmask]> 6/16/2009 2:30 PM >>>
Hello (and please excuse the length of this email),
I*m calling on all those with strong opinions in regards to object
numbering methods. My colleagues and I in DC have often debated this
issue and it never ceases to amaze us how extreme our views can get over
such a simple question. And so I now pose the question all of you: When
numbering an object that has multiple/related parts, is it best to give
each object its own unique number or would you group the objects under
one number and then delineate the parts with letters? For example, you
have a Tea Set with 6 cups. Would you, A.) number each cup individually
- 2009.1.1, 2009.1.2, etc., or B.) give each cup the same number but
with a letter at the end * 2009.1.1a, 2009.1.1b, etc.?
While this seems like a simple question, it is one that goes to the
very heart of proper collections management. Every single piece of
literature out there will advise you to never, ever incorporate a letter
in your number. Their reasoning: each object has its own history so why
give it the same number as something else? A tea cup is not the same as
the box it came in; they*re made from different mediums, have different
condit
ions, different uses, etc. So why give them the same number?
Also, the inclusion of letters with numbers might be lead to confusion.
Consider a Board Game that has 65 parts. Since there are only 26
letters in the alphabet, the first 26 parts would be a-z, then aa-zz,
then aaa-ccc. The object as a whole would be labeled as *2009.1.1a-ccc.*
This can get very confusing and cumbersome in regards to space.
Proponents of strictly-numbers also mention computer databases, which
naturally prefer a catalog system based upon numbers only. If an object
has related parts, this can be noted in the object*s physical file as
well as its database file.
On the flip side, proponents of using letters will tell you that the
presence of a letter automatically ties the object with a related
object. Teacup A by its very nature is related to Teacup B and so on.
In the unfortunately scenario whereby you lose your records, the
presence of a letter at the end of a number will keep that relationship
intact whereas the strictly-numbers approach would not convey that
relationship. Take the Board Game example above, using the
strictly-numbers approach you would label the object as *2009.1.1-65.*
This appears simpler but what happens if you misplace 1 piece of that
game, say object *2009.1.45,* only to find it elsewhere in storage? You
would have no idea where it goes, or if its part of a game or anything.
It would become even more confusing if the person who donated the game
also donated 50 other objects. The first 25 objects accessioned could
each be one object with no related parts (1-25), but object 26 might be
the first piece of the Board Game. In that case, object 45 doesn*t tell
you anything! You*d have to look up the number in your catalog, and if
you lose your records then the object*s identification becomes a
complete guessing game. Whereas if the object was *2009.1.26f,* you
automatically know that it is 6th object accessioned of the group
beginning with 26a. You wouldn*t have to consult your records, you*d
just find the Board Game *2009.1.26a* and put the piece back. Those in
favor of letters state that *The object ID should tell you as much as it
can about the object without having to consult your records.* For
example, 2009.1.1a informs you the object was accessioned in 2009, it
was the first accession of that year, it was the first object in that
accession, and that object has a related part, presumably 2009.1.1b and
possibly more.
I am sure most of you here, although not all, are part of a museum in
which the numbering system was already in place when you arrived, in
which case a complete overhaul might be deemed unnecessary. In my case
however, our museum has just been created and the accessioning process
has yet to begin. I have the opportunity to create a proper, organized
and sensible numbering system from the ground floor. If you were in my
shoes what would you suggest for objects with multiple/relate parts:
strictly numbers or numbers with letter delineation?
For those of you who read through this entire email, Thank You! I look
forward to your responses!
Curtis Bateman
IBEWMuseum
(202) 728-7691
========================================================= Important
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:10:30 -0800
From: "Carrlee, Ellen M (EED)" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters
Great question, Curtis!
During my five years as a collections curator, I was in favor of using
letters as well as numbers in situations where the parts were integral
to the whole, such as a container with a lid, or a beam balance with
weights. In something like the six cup tea set, I would have probably
gone with a separate number for each one, since it might be conceivable
that each cup might be considered an object in its own right. Two vague
guidelines I used were, "would I put this on exhibit without it's
companions?" and "if this were offered alone as a donation, would we
accept it or consider it insufficiently complete?" I think having a
number is better than an extra number (2009.1.1.1 as opposed to
2009.1.1A) and I also thought that capital letters were preferable.
Lower case b is easy to mistake for a 6, and once you get to I and L
things can get hard to read with individual handwriting, not to mention
cursive e and l. I think the only item I really went haywire on with
letters was a Singer sewing machine with an outrageous number of parts.
I did once deal with a board game, and I think I did something like
"2009.1.1A is five game markers in the shapes of shoe, car, rope, dog
and horse" Similarly a group of mineral specimens might be "2009.1.1 is
a vial containing 25 crystals of pyrite" and "2009.1.2 is a vial of
copper shot in the form of tiny balls." My final thought is the amount
of information that comfortably fits in a single artifact record in your
database. If there is a lot of information to be captured about an
item, it might be worth its own record and thus its own number.
Good luck, I look forward to hearing all the discussion on this!
Ellen Carrlee
Conservator
Alaska State Museum
395 Whittier Street
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-2396
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Bateman, Curtis
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 12:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters
Hello (and please excuse the length of this email),
I'm calling on all those with strong opinions in regards to object
numbering methods. My colleagues and I in DC have often debated this
issue and it never ceases to amaze us how extreme our views can get over
such a simple question. And so I now pose the question all of you: When
numbering an object that has multiple/related parts, is it best to give
each object its own unique number or would you group the objects under
one number and then delineate the parts with letters? For example, you
have a Tea Set with 6 cups. Would you, A.) number each cup individually
- 2009.1.1, 2009.1.2, etc., or B.) give each cup the same number but
with a letter at the end - 2009.1.1a, 2009.1.1b, etc.?
While this seems like a simple question, it is one that goes to the very
heart of proper collections management. Every single piece of
literature out there will advise you to never, ever incorporate a letter
in your number. Their reasoning: each object has its own history so why
give it the same number as something else? A tea cup is not the same as
the box it came in; they're made from different mediums, have different
conditions, different uses, etc. So why give them the same number?
Also, the inclusion of letters with numbers might be lead to confusion.
Consider a Board Game that has 65 parts. Since there are only 26
letters in the alphabet, the first 26 parts would be a-z, then aa-zz,
then aaa-ccc. The object as a whole would be labeled as
'2009.1.1a-ccc.' This can get very confusing and cumbersome in regards
to space. Proponents of strictly-numbers also mention computer
databases, which naturally prefer a catalog system based upon numbers
only. If an object has related parts, this can be noted in the object's
physical file as well as its database file.
On the flip side, proponents of using letters will tell you that the
presence of a letter automatically ties the object with a related
object. Teacup A by its very nature is related to Teacup B and so on.
In the unfortunately scenario whereby you lose your records, the
presence of a letter at the end of a number will keep that relationship
intact whereas the strictly-numbers approach would not convey that
relationship. Take the Board Game example above, using the
strictly-numbers approach you would label the object as '2009.1.1-65.'
This appears simpler but what happens if you misplace 1 piece of that
game, say object '2009.1.45,' only to find it elsewhere in storage? You
would have no idea where it goes, or if its part of a game or anything.
It would become even more confusing if the person who donated the game
also donated 50 other objects. The first 25 objects accessioned could
each be one object with no related parts (1-25), but object 26 might be
the first piece of the Board Game. In that case, object 45 doesn't tell
you anything! You'd have to look up the number in your catalog, and if
you lose your records then the object's identification becomes a
complete guessing game. Whereas if the object was '2009.1.26f,' you
automatically know that it is 6th object accessioned of the group
beginning with 26a. You wouldn't have to consult your records, you'd
just find the Board Game '2009.1.26a' and put the piece back. Those in
favor of letters state that 'The object ID should tell you as much as it
can about the object without having to consult your records.' For
example, 2009.1.1a informs you the object was accessioned in 2009, it
was the first accession of that year, it was the first object in that
accession, and that object has a related part, presumably 2009.1.1b and
possibly more.
I am sure most of you here, although not all, are part of a museum in
which the numbering system was already in place when you arrived, in
which case a complete overhaul might be deemed unnecessary. In my case
however, our museum has just been created and the accessioning process
has yet to begin. I have the opportunity to create a proper, organized
and sensible numbering system from the ground floor. If you were in my
shoes what would you suggest for objects with multiple/relate parts:
strictly numbers or numbers with letter delineation?
For those of you who read through this entire email, Thank You! I look
forward to your responses!
Curtis Bateman
IBEW Museum
(202) 728-7691
========================================================= Important
Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
read "help" (without the quotes).
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=========================================================
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:53:56 -0500
From: "Curtis, Nan" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: lighting grid placements?
Hello list
We are moving to a 3-year temp location while museum undergoes
renovation.
We have exhibition space of two galleries, approximately 40' x 22' and
70' x 22', each long dimension will be UV filtered glass.
We are taking our current track systems with us to use for the
relocation.
Any advice for placement of the tracks?
Grid sizes, etc.?
Thanks for your help
Nan Curtis
Director
Forsyth Center Galleries
1237 Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-1237
979 845 9251
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:23:27 -0400
From: Jeannine Mjoseth <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: IMLS/Congressional Grant Workshops in Colorado and Wyoming
The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/061609.shtm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009
Press Contacts:
202-653-4628
Kevin O'Connell, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]
IMLS and Congressional Offices to Hold Grant Workshops for Museums and
Libraries in Colorado and Wyoming
Washington, D.C. - The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS),
in conjunction with members of the U.S. Senate and House of
Representatives, will hold workshops for potential applicants to its
grants programs on June 22 and 23 in Colorado and Wyoming.
Colorado
Host: U.S. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO-02)
Co-hosts: U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael F. Bennet (D-CO),
and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Betsy Markey
(D-CO-04), Mike Coffman (R-CO-06), and Edwin G. Perlmutter (D-CO-07)
Place: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 West 104th Ave, Westminster, CO
Date and Time: June 22, 2009, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Wyoming
Host: U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY)
Co-hosts: U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and U.S. Representative
Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
Place: Wyoming State Library, 2800 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY
Date and Time: June 23, 2009, 10:00 am-noon
Both sessions will feature a member of the IMLS staff, who will provide
an overview of IMLS programs and grant opportunities, and experienced
IMLS grant applicants and peer reviewers, who will provide insights and
advice on what makes a successful grant application. The Colorado and
Wyoming state librarians will also make presentations.
Many institutions in Colorado and Wyoming have received IMLS grants over
the years. Like all states, Wyoming and Colorado receive funding through
the IMLS Grants to States program, a population-based formula grant to
state library administrative agencies. Examples of how these funds are
used include the following:
* The Riverton Branch of Fremont County Library (Wyoming) strengthened
its role in workforce development, economic development, and small
business assistance, and now is a model for other libraries throughout
the state.
* The Wyoming State Library has provided the staff of more than 27
libraries with experience in eBook technology.
* The Colorado State Library established a statewide, 24/7 library
reference service, training 200 librarians from 43 participating
libraries. This has been particularly useful to K-12 students, who ask
more than 65 percent of the questions.
* The Colorado State Library also used Grants to States funds to expand
Colorado's Historic Newspaper Collection, a database of digitized and
full-text indexed historic newspapers available on the Internet.
In both states, libraries, museums, and Native American tribes have
received numerous direct grants from IMLS. Examples include a Museums
for America grant to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs to
provide people of all ages positive encounters with animals and nature;
a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to the Denver Public Library
for a scholarship program for library students; a Conservation Project
Support grant to the Laramie Plains Museum to conduct a detailed
condition survey of 1,500 high-priority items; and a Native American
Museum Services grant to the Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation
to preserve tribal identity and improve access to Arapaho cultural
artifacts.
There is no charge for either workshop; RSVP by e-mailing
[log in to unmask] or calling the local office of the appropriate member
of Congress listed above. The pool of eligible applicants for IMLS
programs includes not-for-profit, non-federal museums and libraries, and
Native American tribes that are conducting museum or library activities.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
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Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:41:31 -0400
From: Elizabeth Walton <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Accession ID: Numbers vs. Letters
In having to solve many many many accession
numbering mysteries, my preference has always
been Year.accession.set.object+letters if that
object has more than one integral piece (pair of shoes, pot/lid, cup/saucer)
So a tea set would be: 2000.1.1.1A=cup,
2000.1.1.1B=saucer, 2000.1.1.2A=other cup,
2000.1.1.2B=other saucer, etc, etc, etc. You can
stick to 3 numbers if an accession is all single objects.
A board game would still be all one set, but
different parts could be split into a few groups
board being a .1, dice a .2AB, pieces . 3A-E. ...
Using all numbers with no letters just asks for
parts to go missing and not be reconnected. Using
anymore numbers also cause confusion if someone
has a typo. Using all letters usually starts
having a a whole bunch of very vaguely connected
things listed as a whole and can really mess up
database location stuff since AB things should
ALWAYS be located together on display and in
storage. A teapot will be stored with its lid,
but not necessarily with the sugar bowl and creamer.
It also goes the other way around when you need
to be able to look at a record and know
immediately if you will be looking for a number
of pieces, a set or just one item. If there is no
A, you will not immediately look further to find
the part B and noone has time to read every
little description field when glancing at lists of items.
I find most things can fit into this without
getting anymore overly complicated, and of course
the more complicated, the more likely it will get
mis-read or mis-written by fresh shiny new registrars or interns.
At 04:30 PM 6/16/2009, you wrote:
>Hello (and please excuse the length of this email),
>
>I’m calling on all those with strong opinions in
>regards to object numbering methods. My
>colleagues and I in DC have often debated this
>issue and it never ceases to amaze us how
>extreme our views can get over such a simple
>question. And so I now pose the question all of
>you: When numbering an object that has
>multiple/related parts, is it best to give each
>object its own unique number or would you group
>the objects under one number and then delineate
>the parts with letters? For example, you have a
>Tea Set with 6 cups. Would you, A.) number each
>cup individually - 2009.1.1, 2009.1.2, etc., or
>B.) give each cup the same number but with a
>letter at the end – 2009.1.1a, 2009.1.1b, etc.?
>
>While this seems like a simple question, it is
>one that goes to the very heart of proper
>collections management. Every single piece of
>literature out there will advise you to never,
>ever incorporate a letter in your number. Their
>reasoning: each object has its own history so
>why give it the same number as something else? A
>tea cup is not the same as the box it came in;
>they’re made from different mediums, have
>different conditions, different uses, etc. So
>why give them the same number? Also, the
>inclusion of letters with numbers might be lead
>to confusion. Consider a Board Game that has 65
>parts. Since there are only 26 letters in the
>alphabet, the first 26 parts would be a-z, then
>aa-zz, then aaa-ccc. The object as a whole
>would be labeled as ‘2009.1.1a-ccc.’ This can
>get very confusing and cumbersome in regards to
>space. Proponents of strictly-numbers also
>mention computer databases, which naturally
>prefer a catalog system based upon numbers only.
>If an object has related parts, this can be
>noted in the object’s physical file as well as its database file.
>
>On the flip side, proponents of using letters
>will tell you that the presence of a letter
>automatically ties the object with a related
>object. Teacup A by its very nature is related
>to Teacup B and so on. In the unfortunately
>scenario whereby you lose your records, the
>presence of a letter at the end of a number will
>keep that relationship intact whereas the
>strictly-numbers approach would not convey that
>relationship. Take the Board Game example
>above, using the strictly-numbers approach you
>would label the object as ‘2009.1.1-65.’ This
>appears simpler but what happens if you misplace
>1 piece of that game, say object ‘2009.1.45,’
>only to find it elsewhere in storage? You would
>have no idea where it goes, or if its part of a
>game or anything. It would become even more
>confusing if the person who donated the game
>also donated 50 other objects. The first 25
>objects accessioned could each be one object
>with no related parts (1-25), but object 26
>might be the first piece of the Board Game. In
>that case, object 45 doesn’t tell you anything!
>You’d have to look up the number in your
>catalog, and if you lose your records then the
>object’s identification becomes a complete
>guessing game. Whereas if the object was
>‘2009.1.26f,’ you automatically know that it is
>6th object accessioned of the group beginning
>with 26a. You wouldn’t have to consult your
>records, you’d just find the Board Game
>‘2009.1.26a’ and put the piece back. Those in
>favor of letters state that ‘The object ID
>should tell you as much as it can about the
>object without having to consult your records.’
>For example, 2009.1.1a informs you the object
>was accessioned in 2009, it was the first
>accession of that year, it was the first object
>in that accession, and that object has a related
>part, presumably 2009.1.1b and possibly more.
>
>I am sure most of you here, although not all,
>are part of a museum in which the numbering
>system was already in place when you arrived, in
>which case a complete overhaul might be deemed
>unnecessary. In my case however, our museum has
>just been created and the accessioning process
>has yet to begin. I have the opportunity to
>create a proper, organized and sensible
>numbering system from the ground floor. If you
>were in my shoes what would you suggest for
>objects with multiple/relate parts: strictly
>numbers or numbers with letter delineation?
>
>For those of you who read through this entire
>email, Thank You! I look forward to your responses!
>
>Curtis Bateman
>IBEW Museum
>(202) 728-7691
>
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End of MUSEUM-L Digest - 15 Jun 2009 to 16 Jun 2009 (#2009-165)
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