Documentation+Plan

RAHC Documentation Plan
Target Position: To meet accreditation standards

The RAHC will use the Spectrum Minimum Standards in the documentation of its collections.

As new systems are to be introduced, all collection items at RAHC will be deemed as backlog. RAHC will cease acquisition until such time as the backlog has been accessioned and catalogued.

Until such time as an electronic system has been put in place, all items, which are to be accepted into the collection, will be allocated an accession number i.e. an individual reference number. This will be entered in an accession register, a durable bound hardback book, which will be stored in a secure location. Access to this register will be restricted to RAHC staff.

Simultaneously, an inventory of all items will be created. Each inventory record will contain the accession number, the item name, a brief description of the item, details of where the item originated, its history, and the location of the item within the centre. In creating this inventory, staff will refer to any existing documentation in order to identify and resolve any anomalies that may exist.

In order to create these inventories, an Action Plan will be agreed which will include the realistic targets for the completion of all inventory records. The time completion period will be six months from the date of adoption of this policy. Progress reviews should be carried out on a monthly basis until then. The Action Plan will list any items or groups of items to be prioritised, it will include the names of staff members who will be responsible for the creation of these records and will set out timescales for the completion of the work. All staff will be given adequate training so as to meeting the targets of the Action Plan.

Loans in and Loans out: The RAHC will neither loan out any of its collections nor receive loans of any external collections. This is subject to review once all items have been documented and catalogued.

Once an inventory of all items has been completed, detailed cataloguing can be carried out retrospectively.

Care and Conservation Policy and Plan>

__References:__
Accreditation Scheme for Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom: Accreditation Standard. //Arts Council England.// Retrieved 19th November 2011 from [|http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/raising_standards/accreditation/~/media/Files/pdf/2008/Accreditation_Standard.ashx] Accreditation Scheme for Museums in the United Kingdom: Accreditation Standard. //Museums Libraries and Archives Council.// Retrieved 6th November 2011 from [] Documentation Planning Pack. //Collections Trust.// Retrieved 29th November 2011 from []