I don't know if there is anyone else on here who has worked with 
barcoded objects, but I did at the Museum of The American Indian. The 
best feature about them was the ease of changing locations with the 
barcode reader (object and shelf both being barcoded - beep beep - 
done).  I guess the reason i am responding is that I don't see what the 
point of barcoding is if they are only in the folders and not with the 
object.

Also, all of our barcodes were on tags with the objects, but not 
attached.  (though attaching with strings could work very well for many 
objects) The tags were printed but also I am sure could have been done 
with labels stuck onto tags (more easily printable with inkjets and less 
conservation issues with the objects). Gaylord also has printable acid 
free tags that I have used quite a bit with a report program so the 
information is pulled straight from the database. Something like this 
could be very useful. The size shouldn't be an issue as barcodes don't 
have to be as big as the retail ones, they are read in only one 
direction, so the height should be adjustable when printing. If the 
barcode is scratched or becomes unreadable you should simply be able to 
print another one.

If you would like to e-mail me off list I would be happy to give you 
more details, I only used them, didn't set them up, but can certainly 
share what I know.

Elizabeth Walton

Pamela Silvestri wrote:

> Thanks Christian,
>  
> I've decided that, if I use bar codes at all, most of them will not go 
> on the objects, but on the file folder with the accessions record and 
> condition report. I can use barcode label protectors to prevent (or 
> attempt to) some of the issues you refer to. I'm getting REAL close to 
> working this out while learning of all the issues here. Feels good to 
> be making some progress!
>  
> Pam
>  
> In a message dated 8/21/2005 7:36:11 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
>     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
>
>  
> *Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
> Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
> Shenipsit State Forest
> 166 Chestnut Hill Road
> Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
> (860) 684-3430*
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