Kate -

 

We use the object status field primarily for registration purposes.  We
have a lengthy list, but since few users have the ability to change
statuses, and since we put the definition list as a plug-in, it works
for us.

 

One item to consider is possibly using departments to categorize the
digital images because you can control security rights based on
department (but not based on object status).  We have a department
called "Exhibitions" and objects lent strictly for exhibitions are
assigned to that department, because we can control data entry for
exhibition objects separate from collection-related objects.  Of course,
there is always more than one way to do something, and while this works
for us, it may not work for your situation.

 

Hope this helps -

 

Ella

 

Ella Rothgangel

Collections Database Administrator

Saint Louis Art Museum

314.655.5408

[log in to unmask]

 

________________________________

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Diggle, Kate
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 9:51 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Object Statuses

 

How do you use the Object Status field? Do you only use it for
registration purposes, to indicate the legal status (accessioned,
deaccessioned, borrowed) of an object? Or do you also use it to indicate
items or objects that are neither accessioned or borrowed (such as a
curatorial collection), or even non-objects (such as digital images of
non-collection items). 

 

The issue we're having is that we have digital images that we've secured
rights and reproduction for, but they aren't objects and they aren't
owned by us. They are used primarily to illustrate online collections.
We're discussing creating an Object Status of "Web Record Only" for
these items, because we like that the status appears in red on the data
entry card. 

 

Thoughts and ideas welcomed! 

 

  Kate Diggle

 Collections Database Administrator 

 National Postal Museum

 Chair-Elect, CISMC

 Smithsonian Institution

 Washington, DC

 www.postalmuseum.si.edu <http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu> 

 www.arago.si.edu <http://www.arago.si.edu>