I didn't know there were any books on the subject...I'll buy it, thanks! I'm not sure yet what objects I'll be able to out the labels on...I have to assess that further, of course. I chose a few examples of one's I would consider - but of course you are right, I will have to consider the potential harm the adhesive may potentially cause. But also, I can easily use string tags on any of the objects. My concern is that the tags will distract from the item on display. Thanks again! Pam In a message dated 8/22/2005 4:26:24 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: I agree that barcoding is a great tool for inventory control and makes a lot of sense for tracking large moves and processing data. Perhaps this is the area of barcoding you might reexamine. As a former registrar, I'm always sensitive to issues of what materials are used to label artifacts. Certainly this is an area of labeling that has received much attention for many years. I'd be extremely wary of sticking the labels directly to any artifact. The adhesive is probably propriatary (meaning the manufacturer won't tell you what's in it) and non-reversable. Many of these adhesives bleed over time and most (probably all) will stain what ever they touch. Many sticky labels become quite brittle over time and will peel away. Please rethink how you attach the labels. One method that you might consider is to place the barcodes like you might any other paper label. This involves a barrier layer of B-72 then adhering the paper label with more B-72 or B-67. For furniture, or any treated surface, be certain to understand how compatible the carrier (solvent) is with your surface. It is as important to understand the properties of these materials as it is to understand the properties of the adhesive labels. Do remember that the barcode DOES NOT replace properly numbering the object, it is simply an inventory tool. As such, it does not need to be stuck to the object. Sticking it to a tag and tying the tag on the artifact will work just as well or better. There are some really great publications available that deal with marking objects and barcoding. I recommend starting with the New Registration Methods and going from there. Buy the book from the AAM bookstore. Best of luck, Diane Gutenkauf [log in to unmask] Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum Shenipsit State Forest 166 Chestnut Hill Road Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076 (860) 684-3430 ========================================================= 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).