[Archon-L] Acquisitions module

[Christine Desmuke]

I am posting in response to Chris Prom's recent request for desiderata 
for an acquisitions module. At the Kansas Historical Society, several 
years ago we developed some fairly detailed specifications for what we 
wanted and needed from an archival acquisitions system. We've dusted off 
those specs and stripped out a lot of institution-specific detail, and 
are herewith posting them for review and comment.

Purpose: The Acquisitions module is intended to cover all materials 
added to our collections, whether received via purchase, loan, donation, 
or legal deposit, from the time we first learn of the item through 
receipt, legal accession, and assignment of preliminary location.

Major Tasks:

     * Gathering leads
     * Selection of materials to be pursued
     * Donor contacts and solicitations
     * Receipt of Materials
     * Payment, where required
     * Preparation of preliminary descriptions
     * Appraisal of content/usefulness/appropriateness for collection
     * Preparation of legal documentation
     * Disposal of unwanted materials
     * Assignment of preliminary location

More details, including flow charts, are available at the Kansas 
Archives blog: http://kansasarchives.wordpress.com/
-- 

Christine Desmuke
Database Administrator
Kansas State Historical Society
6425 SW Sixth Ave
Topeka, KS  66615-1099
(785) 272-8681 x253 [voice]
(785) 272-8682 [fax]
(785) 272-8683 [TTY]
cdesmuke at kshs.org