C-
I have recently addressed a similar problem, when we decided to use four
digit year acc. No.s, for the sake of the computer to avoid potential
problems with Y2K (remember that one?), and also to be more consistent
and accurate.
We decided that the numbers as written on the pre-2000 objects could
remain as is; it really is not confusing.  But the computer database
needed to be reconciled.  Our program is a home-grown Microsoft Access
database, so I was proficient enough to write (with all the usual
precautions) an Update Query to change the Accession number from a two
digit year to a four digit one.  If by any chance you use an
Access-based database, I could attempt to "talk-you-through-it".
Otherwise find a guru that knows your program; it shouldn't be difficult
to do.
Janelle Matz
Collections Manager
Anchorage Museum of History and Art

-----Original Message-----
From: CYANDERSON [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 9:56 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Accession Numbers

Hello:

I need some help with objects which have been incorrectly accessioned 4
different ways.
The first way is by using the last 3 numbers of the year "942.0.0," the
second
way is using
the last 2 numbers of the year "42.0.0," the third way is "0.0.0" (In
this
case, over 300
objects which did not have accession number during an inventory were
assigned
a
number starting at 0.1.1), the fourth way is the whole year "2000.0.0",
which
someone
started to write out and I am following that method.  Are their any
suggestions on how to
go about dealing with the objects and then uniting them with the object
files
and
database (the objects number in the thousands)?  (P.S.  I am the first
Registrar at this
gallery).

Thank you

C. Anderson

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