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
Collections Database Administrator
314.655.5408
From:
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