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