Good thoughts, Scott. I would add just a couple of things. If you are using
the latest version of PastPerfect, there is a deaccession feature (something
new for 3.0!). Once you've entered the information into the accessions
database, you can then go to the deaccession screen and deaccession the item
while still keeping it in your database for reference.

We have an accessions committee here that makes all final decisions on
whether to accept an item for the collection. I try to fill out temporary
custody forms (whether in PastPerfect or otherwise) with the donor
information/history, provenance information, descriptions, etc. that I know
I will need if we decide to accession the item. That way, I don't have to
try to get it from the donor later. It's hard enough to get their signature
on that Deed of Gift!

Katherine H. Child
Collections Curator
Phoenix Museum of History
105 N. 5th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-253-2734 ext. 228
Fax: 602-253-2348
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