Hi Abby--
We use a tri-part numbering system with "-" dividers, 2007-1-1. When we make virtual records for sets, we use a double dash "--" to indicate that the record covers a sequential series of records consisting of numbers or letters.
We have numbers that are alphanumeric where there are components in one record that number less than 26, like 2013-115-1a,b--5 (http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/321812.html?mulR=1984537853|1), which represents the records for 2013-115-1a,b (which has components) and 2,3,4,5.
I think it's preferable to always use numbers in parentheses so that you aren't limited to our 26-letter alphabet, such as 2006-46-1(1--9) http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/296557.html?mulR=1029933326|1. These individual records are numbered 2006-46-1(1) and so on. However, we have utilized both methods over time.
We have some tile panels made of non-sequential objects, and for those virtual records we use the first number ".." last number to indicate that the series is not inclusively sequential, such as 1897-716-2..1979-50-113 (http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/202801.html?mulR=455889134|1). We ran afoul of the early character limits for object numbers and had to find a way to shorten these.
The varying numbering styles of over 140 years of acquisitions makes numbering standards a challenge of course, but when we adopted TMS in 2000 we did try to nail down a standard for how set/virtual records would be numbered that accommodates all those different numbering styles.
Hope that helps!
--Jessica
Jessica Milby
Assistant Director for Collection Information
t 215-684-7283
f 215-235-0035
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646
www.philamuseum.org
-----Original Message-----
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of A Dunham
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 4:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Virtual Object Numbering Systems
Hello All,
Would anyone be willing to share their numbering systems for virtual objects? It's not something we've really dealt with here and I'd like to know how some others are handling it before I try to write a style guide for it. We currently use a tripartite numbering system (2017.001.001) and use lower case letters in the case of components (2017.001.002-a).
Thank you for any help.
Best,
Abby
Abby Dunham, Collections Manager
Wilson Museum
P.O. Box 196
Castine, ME 04421
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