Sorry, you gotta do a manual inventory if you want to know what you have and what you don't have.  The computer info. is useless without the physical inventory.

The State of Indiana requires a "regular" inventory of all non-profit museum collections.  Fortunately non-profit museums get to define "regular," unfortunately Conner Prairie defines "regular" as 3 annual inventories of its collection.

Lana "6 weeks of inventories" Newhart-Kellen
Registrar
Conner Prairie Museum
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers  IN  46038

>>> [log in to unmask] 04/17/03 07:07PM >>>
I visited a local museum  and noticed that this institution has not taken
inventory of its collection for over 30 years. The staff members responsible
for this task argue there presently are many other projects to be also
pursued, and to track the thousands  or items received since that time would
be a too costly and time consuming project.

What would be the best way to complete these records? Currently the museum
electronically archives its collection, assuming a certain number of the
missing items. How could the staff best update the current information?

Your feedback will be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

William
[log in to unmask] 

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