Odd that you should bring this up right now.
        I'm planning a bar-coding systems for the archaeology collections
at the University of Alaska Museum to be used in conjunction with our
4th Dimension database management system.
        I do not plan to bar code every artifact! Instead, I'll use bar coding
on collections containers, i.e. drawers, boxes, display cases, etc.
        In operation, piece-by-piece inventory will still be by catalog number
organized by physical location, but I will use bar-coding to keep track of
the contents of drawers and such, and as a management tool when collections
are moved, consolidated, stabilized, loaned, etc.
        Mind you, I haven't accomplished this lofty system, but this is
my approach at present.
        Mike Lewis
        University of Alaska Museum