Inventory Control and Storage
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Transportation Logistics course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Inventory Control and Storage #
Inventory Control and Storage
Inventory control and storage are essential components of museum transportation… #
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of key terms related to inventory control and storage in the context of museum operations.
1 #
Accession Number
- **Definition:** An accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each ob… #
This number helps track the provenance, history, and location of items within the inventory.
- **Example:** The accession number 12345 was assigned to a rare artifact donate… #
- **Example:** The accession number 12345 was assigned to a rare artifact donated to the museum last month.
2 #
Barcode
- **Definition:** A barcode is a visual representation of data encoded in a mach… #
Barcodes are scanned using specialized equipment to access information about museum objects.
- **Example:** The barcode on the artifact's label allows museum staff to quickl… #
- **Example:** The barcode on the artifact's label allows museum staff to quickly identify and locate the object in storage.
3. Climate #
Controlled Storage
- **Definition:** Climate-controlled storage refers to facilities equipped with… #
This helps prevent damage from environmental fluctuations.
- **Example:** The museum stores delicate textiles in a climate-controlled vault… #
- **Example:** The museum stores delicate textiles in a climate-controlled vault to protect them from deterioration.
4 #
Collection Management System
- **Definition:** A collection management system (CMS) is a software platform us… #
CMSs facilitate efficient organization and retrieval of information related to museum collections.
- **Example:** The museum recently implemented a new collection management syste… #
- **Example:** The museum recently implemented a new collection management system to streamline inventory control and storage processes.
5 #
Condition Report
- **Definition:** A condition report is a detailed assessment of an object's phy… #
Condition reports are crucial for monitoring the preservation of museum collections.
- **Example:** The conservator conducted a thorough condition report on the pain… #
- **Example:** The conservator conducted a thorough condition report on the painting before it was transported for exhibition.
6 #
Deaccessioning
- **Definition:** Deaccessioning is the process of removing objects from a museu… #
This decision is made based on curatorial considerations, relevance, or ethical concerns.
- **Example:** The museum's board of trustees approved the deaccessioning of sev… #
- **Example:** The museum's board of trustees approved the deaccessioning of several artifacts to focus on a more cohesive collection theme.
7 #
Hazardous Materials Storage
- **Definition:** Hazardous materials storage refers to designated areas within… #
Proper protocols and safeguards are essential for managing hazardous materials.
- **Example:** The museum's conservation lab has a separate storage area for haz… #
- **Example:** The museum's conservation lab has a separate storage area for hazardous chemicals used in the treatment of artifacts.
8 #
Object Handling Guidelines
- **Definition:** Object handling guidelines are established protocols for safel… #
These guidelines ensure the preservation and integrity of collections during handling activities.
- **Example:** Museum staff must follow strict object handling guidelines when p… #
- **Example:** Museum staff must follow strict object handling guidelines when preparing artifacts for loan to external institutions.
9 #
Packing Materials
- **Definition:** Packing materials are supplies used to protect museum objects… #
Common packing materials include archival tissue, foam padding, and custom crates designed for specific objects.
- **Example:** The museum's registrar ordered specialized packing materials for… #
- **Example:** The museum's registrar ordered specialized packing materials for the upcoming loan of fragile ceramics to a temporary exhibition.
10 #
Pest Management
- **Definition:** Pest management involves strategies for preventing, monitoring… #
Regular monitoring and treatment are essential for maintaining a pest-free environment.
- **Example:** The museum's facilities team conducts monthly inspections for sig… #
- **Example:** The museum's facilities team conducts monthly inspections for signs of pest activity in storage areas.
11 #
Provenance Research
- **Definition:** Provenance research is the investigation of an object's owners… #
This research helps establish authenticity, legality, and cultural significance of museum objects.
- **Example:** The curator conducted extensive provenance research on a painting… #
- **Example:** The curator conducted extensive provenance research on a painting to confirm its attribution to a renowned artist.
12 #
Remote Storage Facility
- **Definition:** A remote storage facility is an off-site location used by muse… #
Remote storage provides additional space while maintaining proper environmental conditions.
- **Example:** The museum's remote storage facility houses rare books and manusc… #
- **Example:** The museum's remote storage facility houses rare books and manuscripts from the library's special collections.
13 #
Restricted Access Area
- **Definition:** A restricted access area is a secure section of a museum facil… #
Restricted access areas may contain sensitive objects, valuable collections, or hazardous materials.
- **Example:** Only trained conservators have access to the restricted area wher… #
- **Example:** Only trained conservators have access to the restricted area where the museum's most valuable artworks are stored.
14 #
Storage Environment Monitoring
- **Definition:** Storage environment monitoring involves tracking and analyzing… #
Monitoring equipment alerts staff to fluctuations that could harm objects.
- **Example:** The museum's registrar uses data loggers to monitor temperature a… #
- **Example:** The museum's registrar uses data loggers to monitor temperature and humidity levels in the textile storage room.
15 #
Tracking System
- **Definition:** A tracking system is a software or hardware solution used to m… #
Tracking systems help streamline inventory control and storage operations.
- **Example:** The museum's tracking system allows staff to quickly locate objec… #
- **Example:** The museum's tracking system allows staff to quickly locate objects for exhibition loans or research requests.
16 #
Vulnerability Assessment
- **Definition:** A vulnerability assessment is an evaluation of risks and threa… #
Identifying vulnerabilities allows museums to implement security measures and disaster preparedness plans.
- **Example:** The museum conducted a vulnerability assessment to address potent… #
- **Example:** The museum conducted a vulnerability assessment to address potential risks to its historic building and valuable collections.