Labelling Objects
Resource
This video shows how to mark objects using the Paraloid B72 method.
Object entry
Here you can find further resources to help with the Spectrum procedure Object entry. For the procedure itself follow this link.
Developing a documentation procedural manual
Resource
The procedural manual is a widely recognised device for expressing and communicating a museum’s policy and practice. It should include reference to the standards the museum uses for collecting information about museum objects. The resource describes how to develop and maintain a procedural manual, and what it might contain.
Documentation planning pack
Resource
The aim of the Collections Trust Documentation planning pack is to assist museums to produce their own documentation plans. The guidelines contained in the pack can be used for all types of documentation planning; they are not intended as the only way to produce a documentation plan and are specifically to help the documentation planning process as required by UK Museum Accreditation Scheme.
Documentation procedural manual from the British Schools Museum
Resource
The British Schools Museum have created a documentation procedural manual, which sets a useful example for appropriate contents and structure when creating your own procedural manual for Accreditation.
Pre-entry guidance for archaeological collections
Resource
This resource explores pre-entry and provides guidance on how to deal in advance with archaeological archives entering your collection. This will not be relevant for all collections but any that involve types of fieldwork will need to document the pre-entry process.
Part of: Object entry
Object entry forms
Resource
Collections Trust supplies pre-printed, triplicate forms that support the Spectrum Object entry procedure and are used whenever an object enters the museum.
Part of: Acquisition and accessioning, Object entry
National Museums Liverpool guidelines on marking and labelling methods and positions
Resource
This resource from National Museums Liverpool outlines guidelines on marking and labelling methods. It includes a table which offers suggestions for how and where to mark different object types.
Assessment of requirements for persistent identification of objects, collections and institutions
Resource
Produced as a deliverable of the EU-funded ATHENA project, this report provides an Assessment of the Requirement for Persistent Identification of Objects, Collections and Institutions.
Labelling and Marking Museum Objects booklet
Resource
These guidelines on the labelling and marking of museum objects were developed by the Collections Trust with the help of Vivien Chapman at the National Conservation Centre, National Museums Liverpool (NML).
MDA codes
Resource
As part of its work with documentation standards the Collections Trust (and its predecessor body MDA) has, since the 1970s, been developing and maintaining a scheme which allows the identification of UK collection-holding organisations and their collections through “codes” which are unique to each organisation.
Numbering
Resource
This resource gives guidance on numbering your collection, on different types and formats and a summary of commonly occurring issues surrounding numbering.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973
Resource
CITES is an international agreement between governments. This multilateral treaty aims to protect endangered plants and animals and relates to the acquisition of biological and geological material in developing collections.
Labelling and marking paper objects in museum collections
Resource
In this short video, a conservator demonstrates the techniques for labelling and marking the paper objects within your collection.