An Alternative Technique for Applying Accession Numbers to Museum Artifacts
Thomas J. Braun · Journal of the American Institute for Conservation · 2007
For decades archaeologists and museum professionals have applied accession numbers to artifacts using a variety of methods. A common method has been the hand-numbering technique: a barrier layer is applied, over which the number is written in ink and after that has dried, another clear coating is applied. Recently, many archaeologists and museum professionals have sought alternative, more efficient methods for artifact numbering. This paper describes another technique that offers many advantages. The accession numbers are printed onto paper using a computer printer employing a small font, which is then cut out, and the paper label adhered to the artifact with an appropriate adhesive. This has many advantages over hand-numbering, though this paper recognizes that hand-numbering is still appropriate in many situations. In this alternative technique, the application of the numbers is a one-step process offering a large reduction in the amount of time required to label artifacts, and by extension, less handling of artifacts. Compared to hand-numbering, the legibility of the numbers is improved, even while the size of the numbers is reduced. Accession numbers can be printed from existing databases, which may reduce transcriptional errors. Additionally, the permanence of these labels is high, if certain procedures are followed when producing them. Lastly, this technique may require less manual dexterity than hand-numbering in order to properly and safely apply accession numbers. This technique may enable this task to be delegated to other staff members or volunteers. The purpose of this article is to document its use and provide specific details on its application to various types of objects, and to disseminate this information to the museum community as a whole.