[Archivesspace_Users_Group] Barcoding boxes and shelves in ArchivesSpace

[Jordon Steele]

James,

We're considering something similar. Our library uses a unique identifier for locations called a RMST number (Range Module Shelf Tray), I think it's a standard unique algorithm for high-density storage. This is at present exclusively used at our offsite storage facility, but we intend to adapt the approach to our onsite collections, too. So yes, big picture, I think the idea of assigning unique identifiers to your locations is a good one. A couple caveats you may have already considered:


*         Think about decoupling your container unique ID from your location ID. More flexible if you have to move stuff around.

*         Manage your location unique ID in ASpace's locations module, not in container management.

*         Barcodes are not semantic character string, so barring some catastrophic failure of ASpace/your inventory management system, you may not be able to find your stuff. Doesn't rule out using barcodes, just something as you're assessing risk.

*         I would recommend you suppress your location unique IDs from public view for security reasons.

Best,

Jordon

Jordon Steele
Hodson Curator of the University Archives
Sheridan Libraries
Johns Hopkins University
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21218
jsteele at jhu.edu<mailto:jsteele at jhu.edu>
he/him/his

From: archivesspace_users_group-bounces at lyralists.lyrasis.org <archivesspace_users_group-bounces at lyralists.lyrasis.org> On Behalf Of James E. Cross
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2018 9:18 AM
To: Archivesspace Users Group <archivesspace_users_group at lyralists.lyrasis.org>
Subject: [Archivesspace_Users_Group] Barcoding boxes and shelves in ArchivesSpace

All,

We are thinking of barcoding *both* our boxes and our shelves using ArchivesSpace. The thought is that by doing both we would have better inventory control and the ability to scan a box/shelf and retrieve information about it quickly. Have any of you done this? What were the pros and cons you discovered after doing the barcoding?

We look forward to hearing any information or suggestions you can give us. Thank you.

Sincerely,

James Cross
Manuscripts Archivist


James Edward Cross, C.A.
Special Collections and Archives
Clemson University Libraries
Box 343001
Clemson, SC  29634-3001
Phone: (864) 656-5182
Website: http://library.clemson.edu/depts/specialcollections/




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