Accession numbers

Definition

Accession numbers are unique identifiers assigned to objects, artworks, or artifacts within a collection, enabling their effective cataloging and tracking. These numbers play a crucial role in database management systems, such as LIDO, by providing a consistent way to reference items and facilitating easy access to information regarding their provenance, condition, and history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Accession numbers are typically assigned at the moment an object is formally acquired by a museum or collection, ensuring it is documented in their records.
2. These numbers often follow a specific format, which may include the year of acquisition followed by a sequential number (e.g., 2023.001).
3. Accession numbers help prevent duplication and confusion in large collections by providing a unique reference for each item.
4. In LIDO, accession numbers serve as a key element in linking related metadata to an object, improving searchability and organization within digital collections.
5. Accession numbers can also assist in tracking an object's movement within a collection, such as loans or exhibitions, aiding in inventory management.

Review Questions

• How do accession numbers enhance the organization and management of collections within institutions?
  • Accession numbers enhance organization by providing unique identifiers for each item in a collection, which simplifies cataloging and retrieval processes. This system allows institutions to track objects effectively through their lifecycle, from acquisition to potential loans or exhibitions. By referencing items consistently through their accession numbers, institutions can maintain accurate records and ensure that every piece is accounted for within their databases.
• Discuss the importance of provenance in relation to accession numbers in cultural heritage institutions.
  • Provenance is crucial as it helps establish the history of ownership and authenticity of an object. Accession numbers complement provenance by linking each item to its documented history within the institution. When an object is assigned an accession number upon acquisition, this number acts as a permanent reference point that connects the item's provenance documentation with its physical presence in the collection. This relationship helps institutions uphold ethical standards by ensuring clear ownership trails and facilitating research into the object's background.
• Evaluate how the use of accession numbers impacts the digital representation of collections in systems like LIDO.
  • The use of accession numbers significantly impacts digital representation by ensuring that each item can be distinctly identified and retrieved within systems like LIDO. This organized structure allows users to access detailed metadata associated with each object, including its description, provenance, and related images. Moreover, by incorporating accession numbers into digital catalogs, institutions can enhance search functionalities and improve user experience while maintaining rigorous standards for data integrity and reliability across their digital platforms.

Related terms

Cataloging: The process of systematically organizing and recording information about items in a collection, including descriptions, provenance, and condition.

Provenance:

The history of ownership and custody of an object or artwork, which is essential for establishing authenticity and value.

Metadata: Data that provides information about other data, including details like creator, date of creation, dimensions, and materials used for an object.