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>