At 08:34 AM 6/25/96 -0600, you wrote:
>>Regarding the question about why your registrar was still keeping a bound
>>accession book when you already have the information on assorted sheets of
>>paper that were legally binding and/or more comprehensive than the book:
>>1.  Just tradition - the base of the title registrar is, I believe, that
>>the registrar is the one who keeps the register.
>>2.  Convenient, easy access.  The book puts, in place, the major facts
>>about a string of accessions, whereas the legally binding documents
>>deal with the exhibits one at a time.
>>3.  This is a variation of 2 (above), but I had an assistant once who
>>had her own disaster plan.  In the event of a fire, fire drill, or
>>    anything that caused us to clear the building quickly, the accession
>>book was what she would take with her.
>>
Our registrar uses the hand/note book to better track numbers.  You
cannot automatically go down 96.1.1 or 96.2.1-58, ect., since when adding
items to the collection, you never know how many items are coming in on each
accession.  The hand-written book allows better tracking.  If I want
who gave us a blanket in 1996, it would be easier to check the handwritten
long than searching the files.  It gives you a quicker access to information
on demand.  Also, in order the total number of accessioned arifacts at your
finger tips.  We do not have the luxury of a computerized system, yet.

We list only the Number, Donor, Date, and a BRIEF discription of the
artifact such as clothing item or blanket.

John Martinson
[log in to unmask]
Work: Fort Walla Walla Museum
755 Myra Rd
Walla Walla, WA  99364
(509) 525-7703 (Work)