We have a relatively small collection and we number both archival collections and object collections with a sequential number system (since I do it all in this department) plus with many accessions from a donor or collector - the collection includes papers/documents and 3-dimensional artifacts. We do assign collection numbers as well (according to record groups) since we have had a number of people donate items in numerous accessions so having a collection number helps when cataloging. Lisa Moellering Curator of Collections/Registrar Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline Street Houston, Texas 77004 713.942.8000 x110 713.942.7953 (fax) [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of George Garner Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 5:59 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Assigning numbers / defining an archive collection Dear all, I am debating on how (and if), precisely, I will number a previously unnumbered archive collection. The collection consists of potentially private records from a (now defunct) non-profit organization, non-private records, newspaper articles, sports handbooks, video and film. We are a brand new institution, so our policy about archives vs. objects has yet to be written (your input will help me write it!). The readings I have been able to get my hands on thus far have given little help. _New Museum Registration Methods_ has two pages about numbering, and their section on archives is geared more toward institutional archives as opposed to non-private archive collections. I haven't been able to find a good book, like _George Garner, Read This To Answer Your Questions_. :) My questions are: 1. What, precisely, is contained in an "archive" and how would I treat them differently than my objects in terms of numbering/record keeping? 2. When is an artifact an "archive" as opposed to an "object." Precise definitions of each will be useful when I update my collections policy. 3. Is there a standard numbering system for archives that differs from objects? Should I keep my current system (NSMHF "4 digit year"."Acc. #"."Item w/in acc.") but include a pre(suff)ix? i.e., NSMHF 2002.4.5 - A? NSMHF-A 2002.4.5? Some details about my current setup: I am using PastPerfect which automatically assigns an 'A' or 'O' upon printout based upon Archives or Objects. It may mean a separate system is unnecessary? Also, I have received donations of objects with 2-d items probably destined for an archive (e.g. newspaper clippings, etc.) - I suffer from the "it's old - let's give it to the Museum!" bug among donors. I'd like to keep accession numbers for each, but I'm not married to any one idea. I know this is a huge amount of information, however I am grateful for any and all advice. Also, if there is an article/book/webpage that I haven't found yet, please feel free to steer me there. Thanks in advance! All my best, George Garner National Speedskating Museum and Hall of Fame George Garner, Director and Curator P.O. Box 3120, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-2609 ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).