Tim, We use a "Temporary Custody Receipt" for all items left at the museum, whether for examination, purchase, gift, identification, etc. The items, along with their receipt, are taken to the accessions committee for a decision. Once that decision has been made, a letter is sent to the depositor conveying that information. If the items are not to be accepted, the depositor is asked to call to make arrangements for the return of the items. In addition to the form and the letter, we keep track of this information in PastPerfect. We also keep "minutes" of the accessions committee meetings, consisting of the item by item list they were given to review, with the committee's decision (accepted, rejected, deferred, etc.) clearly stated for each item. Finally, in both PastPerfect and in our written log of temporary custody items, we make a notation of the date the items were returned. We also ask the depositor to sign the original form indicating that all items have been returned to them in satisfactory condition. We have this form in a typed version as well as the one that comes in PastPerfect (in case the computer crashes, no one who knows how to use the system is here, etc.). All staff and volunteers have been instructed not to allow anyone to leave items here without completing (and signing) that form. I'd be happy to send one to you if you'd like to see it. 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 [log in to unmask] ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).