Accessioning refers to the process of formally documenting and recording the addition of new materials or objects to a collection, archive, or repository, typically carried out by libraries, museums, or other cultural institutions. The term can apply to various types of materials, such as books, artworks, artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, or digital files.
In the context of collection management, accessioning involves several key steps. First, the newly acquired items are carefully examined and assessed for their condition and authenticity. Any necessary documentation, such as provenance or ownership history, is gathered and verified. Next, a unique accession number or identifier is assigned to each item to ensure efficient tracking and retrieval.
Moreover, accessioning includes creating a detailed accession record that typically includes descriptive information, such as title, creator or artist, date, size or dimensions, materials used, and any noteworthy characteristics or features. Additional information may also be included, such as copyright or usage rights, location within the collection, and related materials or references.
Accessioning serves as a crucial tool for inventory control, organization, and preservation. By formally documenting the addition of new items to a collection, it allows institutions to ensure proper cataloging, storage, and retrieval, making the items accessible for research, exhibition, or other purposes. Additionally, accession records facilitate collection management decisions, such as deaccessioning or loaning items, and provide valuable information for future scholarly or curatorial use.
