Mail*Link(r) SMTP               RE>Artefact Labels
 
A couple of comments....
 
My understanding is that laser printing is NOT permanent and photocopy ink is
much better. This University will not accept a laser printed original of a
thesis, you must submit a photocopy (on acid free paper) for permanent
storage.
 
We have been using computer generated stick-on labels for a decade - but on
the plastic bags not the artefacts themselves. We have never had problems with
labels falling off, cracking or deteriorating. I suspect UV light is the
biggest problem - so if they are stored in boxes there should be no problem.
Museum quality labels are available.
 
Initially we use a small label with an automatically generated sequential
number (which becomes the database identity number). When data entry is
complete another label with full details and description generated by the
database is added to the bag.
 
I also have the strong feeling that any potential damage to the artefact from
the glue is often outweighed by the 'damage' that can result from the loss of
information if a quick, easy and practical (but possibly not permanent) method
of labeling is not available. As plastic bags are incredabely cheap
(especially when compared with labeling labour) one approach might be to risk
a non permanent labeling system and duplicate the labels on bags for storage
so that if either label comes off nothing is lost.
 
 
Andrew Wilson
ARCHAEOLOGY: Prehistoric and Historical
University of Sydney
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