Dear Pam,
I agree absolutely with Michael Bogle. Barcodes are made for the everyday supermarket use or short term transportation purposes but not for museum documentation. The adhesives are unknown and not longterm tested, would in most cases affect the object, and the stickers sooner or later will fall off. Imagine the trouble.
But why using barcode systems at all? Do we always have to do what is technically possible?Don't we all have exciting new documentary programs, short inventory numbers and gorgeous search functions? 
And there is another reason not to use barcode systems: If you go the next time to your local supermarket, just watch how often the barcode labelling does not work (being scratched or placed on an uneven surface). In this situation, people at the cash try again and again and than type the price manually. So this proves that the barcode system is not faster than just typing into the computer "P2590" (i.e. a Painting, inventory no. 2590). More is not needed and useful because the year of accession will be stored separately.

Best wishes


Christian

"Peta Landman & Michael Bogle" <[log in to unmask]> schrieb:
> > 
> >   Regarding Pam¹s barcode labelling programme, some two years ago I was
> > checking the barcode inventory of a machine shop for a government owned
> > historic collection. The barcode labels on toughened paper were gummed
> > (adhesive unknown) and applied about 8 years previously. The collection was
> > locked away. Most of the labels had fallen off.
> > 
> > Michael Bogle
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >  Soon to be properly cataloguing our Museum's collections, I am considering
> > using barcode labels (using PastPerfect software) and am asking for opinions,
> > etc.
> >     It's already been suggested to me that foil-backed labels (and for all
> > your other suggestions Ware, thanks!) should be used, though I still have yet
> > determine if I can even print [ readable] barcodes with the inkjet printer
> > I've decided on.
> >     There will be some challenges regarding the placement of the labels on
> > objects, but I think I have that worked out. Some of the bar code labels will
> > go over clothing labels, for instance. And with most of the collection being
> > on display - for some items, like small token coins I have scattered on a
> > display shelf -I'll have to keep the barcode label with the printout (I'm
> > creating condition reports at the same time).
> >     I'd like to be able to use string tags, but can't seem to locate any that
> > are large enough to accommodate the barcode label.
> >     And otherwise, I'd like to know what type of barcode scanner you are using
> > or could recommend?
> >                                                     upcoming issue: Pest
> > Control
> > Thanks again,
> > Pam
> 
> 
> 
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