This register holds information on all items that are, or have been, part of a repository's collection. Information in the register usually includes the accession number, description, and date of accession. Accession records in the register can also include more detailed information on object or record group condition, loan or exhibit history, copyright transfers, licenses, and permissions, photographs, cataloging information, or location information on the relevant accession file. The accession number given to an object or record group serves as the link in a repository's record management system to all other information on the item. The recommended method to assign numbers is to give one number to an entire collection.
Many repositories also use the year of accession in their numbering system.
The accession number is often what is marked on the object or object tag. Deaccessioning Deaccessioning is the process of permanently removing an object or document from a repository's collection, thereby signifying a change in ownership and custody through a change in title. Deaccessioning should be the last resort in a repository's set of actions regarding its collection. In fact, if it has a good accessioning policy, there should be little need to deaccession. When deaccessioning does occur, the process is generally lengthy and complex.