Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Thu, 13 Jan 2005 21:05:08 EST |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
In a message dated 1/13/2005 5:05:17 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< At the museum I used to work at, we too grappled with
the props vs. artifacts question. When we catalogued
items we developed a code to use. After the number we
added a one letter code:
A = artifact
P = prop
R = recreation (for items we had made to look exactly
like an artifact we couldn't obtain)
We also indicate if an item was a recreation to the
museum visitor. >>
I think this is a good system. My museum used to use a variation of it. I'm
not sure what our current practice is since I've been on the archives side of
the aisle, although I recently heard an administrator inveigh against the
idea of labeling replicas as such on the grounds that visitors don't care (to
which I responded that I know for a fact that at least some do care).
I do have a quibble, Lisa, which I hope you'll excuse, especially since
you're no longer associated with that museum. I hope your labels said
"re-creation" rather than "recreation," since the latter is open to mispronunciation and
misunderstanding. In any event, I would opt for a word like "replica" or
"facsimile" rather than "re-creation."
David Haberstich
=========================================================
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).
|
|
|