Hi Annita,

If you are renumbering as part of a databasing project, then there are no real problems. You just create separate fields for 'number' and 'original number', and the collection then remains searchable by either the current number or the old one. If you are not databasing your collection (even just using a spreadsheet like Excel), then why not? A renumbering project would be the ideal opportunity to start a database for your collection, and the time you'll save in future makes the small extra effort well worth while. You don't have to fill in all fields right away - just create a single record for each item, with nothing more than the new number, the original number and a one- or two- word describer ('Wooden sleigh'; 'Elephant tusk'; 'Suppository gauge' etc). You can later add as much detail as you like, adding fields to hold information such as date of acquisition, maintenance records, dates of loan and so on. 

Regards,



Paul Callomon
Collections Manager
Malacology, Invertebrate Paleontology and General Invertebrates
Department of Malacology
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19103-1195, USA
Tel 215-405-5096
Fax 215-299-1170
Secretary, American Malacological Society
On the web at www.malacological.org

>>> Annita Linscheid <[log in to unmask]> 6/27/2007 1:42 PM >>>
Is there information anywhere on the pros and cons of renumbering an old
collection. I can't seem to get much information on this. I am sure small
local volunteer run museums have had issues in this area when trying to
update. I desperately need some info.

Thank you,
A.

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