– A researcher discovers that the logbook actually contains loose-leaf inserts that were previously uncataloged. The museum updates the record: number of pages changed to 54, description now includes “with 4 typed memoranda inserted between pages 32-35.”
This article explores the anatomy, function, and significance of such identifiers, using “avsmuseum100359 1 upd” as a working example. We will break down its components, situate it within the context of modern museum informatics, and discuss best practices for interpreting and managing update logs in collection databases. 1.1 avsmuseum – The Institution Prefix The first segment, avsmuseum , strongly suggests an aviation museum . “AVS” commonly stands for “Aerospace and Aviation” or could be a specific museum’s acronym (e.g., American Vintage Space Museum, Air and Space Virtual Museum, etc.). Many museums use a short code before artifact numbers to distinguish their collections from others in shared systems or union catalogs.
– The database retains the original 2008 record but creates a new version, marking it avsmuseum100359 1 upd . An internal log shows: upd:2015-06-23, user:curator_jc, change:added loose inserts .
– The catalog entry describes the logbook as “one volume, leather cover, 50 pages, 1952-1955.”