Annamaria, We use a barcoding system here at Carnegie Museum of Art. The barcoding software is a third-party application developed for use with our collections management system (KE Emu). It functions over our wireless network and is used primarily for updating object locations, though it can also be configured for on-site data-entry and/or object accessioning projects. At present not all of the collection has been barcoded so the system is not used consistently. We have found that the biggest challenges, besides finding the time to complete the barcoding of the entire collection, are deciding how to approach barcoding for multi-part objects (whether at the item or part level) and how to keep track of the physical bar code tags of three-dimensional objects as they come on and off view. While we agree with others who have said that the barcoding system increases accuracy, there is always going to be an element of human or procedure error that no technology that I am aware of can quite overcome!
Another source to investigate: a several years ago someone, I think an MCN member on this list, did a survey and posted specific information on museum barcoding on a website. I don't have the link and don't know if the site is even live anymore. Does this ring a bell to anyone else? Will Real Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh -----Original Message----- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of Annamaria Poma-Swank Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 7:35 AM To: mcn-l at mcn.edu Subject: [MCN-L] Bar coding museums objects Dear all, I would like to know : 1. how many museums are using the barcoding objects inventory system 2. if the CMS they use support the system 3. A feedback on the use of this tool Annamaria Poma Swank Rinascimento Digitale project consultant pomaswank at rinascimento-digitale.it _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l
