Hi Eliza,

We track loans out in a very simple way. We create an outgoing loan record
in the Loans Module and link the relevant object(s) to it. If the object is
lent to an exhibition we create an exhibition record in the Exhibitions
Module and link it to the outgoing loan record. We also repeat the
exhibition venue, name and dates in the Remarks field of the outgoing loan
record for ease of reporting. If it is on long term loan, we record that
also in the Remarks field. We enter outgoing loan records in TMS only when
the loan is agreed, so we have recorded 'status' for them so far. Before
then, the process is recorded on paper.

When we 'lend' one of our objects to an exhibition held in-house we create
an incoming loan record in the Loans Module and link it to the exhibition
record in the Exhibition Module so that we can include our own objects in
reports on the exhibition organising process. If the exhibition travels to
other venues, we also create an outgoing loan record as above, but instead
of linking it to the main exhibition record, we link it to a duplicate
exhibition record with '(loans out)' in the title. We have found this the
simplest way to separate reporting on the loans out process from reporting
on in-house exhibition organising.

We hope to review our loans out and loans in processes in the near future
with a view to improving and expanding the amount of information we hold in
TMS, and our reports.

Gillian Essam
Collection Information Manager
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN

tel: 020 7747 2543
fax: 020 7747 2472
email: [log in to unmask]




-----Original Message-----
From: Sparacino, Eliza [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 18 February 2005 19:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Tracking all loan information




Hello,

We are trying to devise a way to track outgoing loan requests and
consideration in TMS. We are using the loans module to manage approved
outgoing loans, but have no way to track the progress or denial of other
requests.

Are any institutions tracking this information? If so, how are you
maintaining the data in TMS?

Thank you!

Eliza Sparacino
Manager, Collection and Exhibition Technologies
(212) 708.9599
[log in to unmask]

MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art
http://www.moma.org <http://www.moma.org>




==========================================================

Book Now:
Caravaggio: The Final Years
23 February 2005 - 22 May 2005
Open until 9pm every Wednesday with live music & bar
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/caravaggio/default.htm

Sign up for the latest news, offers and exclusive competitions from the
National Gallery by clicking on this link
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what/news/subscribe.htm