Condition survey

Almuth Corbach <corbach [at] hab__de> writes

>We are planning a random sample condition survey of our library,
>consisting mostly of Rare Books and Special Collections. Can anyone
>recommend a software package (for PC) specifically designed for such
>a survey? We would also be interested in copies of survey forms,
>computerised or not.

Past Perfect is a museum collections software published by a company
called Pastime Software.  Modes--the UK version--is similar, in that
they both allow cataloging/inventory of collections according to
museum standards.  I don't know much about Modes, but Past Perfect
allows museums to do full collection management, including
cataloging, accessions, loans, exhibits, etc. and does have the
capability for condition reporting.  However, I have not found a
software that specifically assists in collecting data strictly
related to risk assessment or condition surveys.

Recently, the Military Personnel Records Center (NARA) conducted a
risk assessment survey of its enormous paper-based collections, and
are now undertaking one for its microfilm collections.  Since we
couldn't easily find anything that met our needs, we ended up
designing our own specific electronic form and database using
Microsoft Access.  Luckily, we had IT support to assist, but we
ended up digging into an Access "how to" guide and learning to
develop our own database/form.  We were then able to customize the
survey (and form) to the level of assessment needed for our
particular project.  I would be happy to share the form with anyone
specifically interested in the form/database.

Marta G. O'Neill
Preservation Specialist
Preservation Program
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue, Rm. 1060
St. Louis, MO   63132
314-801-0907
Fax: 314-538-2249


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:57
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 2, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-57-007
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