[can-talk] Cataloguing Zoology Specimens

Good morning Eleanor,
 
I recommend that you read - Cataloging Cultural Objects, A Guide to
Describing Cultural Works and Their Images, by Murtha Baca, Patricia
Harpring, Elisa Lanzi, Linda McRae & Ann Whiteside on behalf of the Visual
Resources Association. 
 
Collection Management Systems (CMS) require constant updating, the idea that
it can be done in one hit is a bit of a furphy - One task is to codify
knowledge/information but it's equally important to facilitate people using
the system. 
 
Personally I take that the view that it's best to make a 'skeletal' record
with an image, id number, title & location and then 'flesh' out records over
time - (this might work well with your collection :)
 
Unless you're working alone you'll probably need written procedure manuals &
agreed 'authorities' as its all about sharing the knowledge of people.
People need to be reading / writing on the same page.
 
I recommend you use specific collection management software rather than
modifying generic database software to suit.
 
You should also catalogue by inventory rather than attempt to fix up bad
data - its quicker just to start again. 
 
Keep asking yourself the question 'What am I cataloguing? 
 
Spend time planning / initiating the project
 
Ask for a pay rise now
 
Don't hesitate to contact me
 
Some years ago I electronically catalogued a collection with some
affiliation to Melbourne University, the Cunningham Dax Collection.
 
regards
 
Nat Gorman
 
 

----------------- 
Registrar | Philatelic 
t: + 61 3 9299 4570| e: nathaniel.gorman at auspost.com.au 


-----Original Message-----
From: can-talk-bounces at collectionsaustralia.net
[mailto:can-talk-bounces at collectionsaustralia.net] On Behalf Of Eleanor
Victoria Brignell
Sent: Friday, 18 April 2008 11:25 AM
To: can-talk at collectionsaustralia.net
Subject: [can-talk] Cataloguing Zoology Specimens


I am working with a collection of zoological specimens at the University of
Melbourne. We are about to undertake the (somewhat daunting) task of
cataloguing the collection for the first time.
 
I was wondering if anyone had experience with similar collections and could
recommend a list of fields to include in our database.  Obviously we
recognise how important it is to capture as much information as possible
about each objects from the very beginning so there is no need to 'double
back' and add more information at a later stage.
 
I would appreciate any advice you can give,
 
Eleanor Brignell
 
--- The Tiegs Museum
Department of Zoology
University of Melbourne




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