How do you handle bargain/sales? 

Eunice Glosson

Registrar for Collections and Museums

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Aylsworth, David
Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 6:00 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Accession Method

In Houston, we very much consider this to be a PURCHASE.  It’s something that is always being confused by our curators, but I try to drill home that anytime the institution cuts the check, the accession method is PURCHASE.  If we do not cut a check, it is a GIFT.

Similarly, the role of the person who gives funds for a purchase is a FUNDER.  If they give an object, they are a DONOR.  Something that is purchased should not have anyone with a DONOR role linked to it. 

I actually set it up procedurally that we cannot buy a work of art unless the purchase order is accompanied by an “art purchase form” which is a crystal report out of TMS.  The “art purchase form” will not run if there is not someone identified as a “dealer or seller” as well as someone identified as “funder” and the accession method switched over to “purchase”.  It’s worked surprisingly well

David

David Aylsworth

Collections Registrar

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

telephone:  713-639-7824

fax:  713-639-7780

Opening Sunday: The Moon: "Houston, Tranquility Base Here. The Eagle Has Landed"

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chad Petrovay
Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 4:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Accession Method

How do you handle Accession Method when an object is purchased by the institution with funds from a donor. Is this considered a Gift, a Purchase, or do you have some other designation for it?

Many thanks,

Chad Petrovay  |  Collections Database Administrator
MIM—Musical Instrument Museum | 8550 S. Priest Drive  |  Tempe, AZ 85284
480.481.2460 main  |  480.353.2746 direct | 480.481.2459 fax  | www.themim.org

Blog: www.petrovay.com/tmsblog