The accessions register may be handwritten or generated from computer records. In either case, the register should be made of archival quality paper and be bound in permanent form. If a computer system is being used, copies of new records should be printed out on archival quality paper using a durable print medium and soundly bound. The print-out should be signed and dated. Dates output by the computer are sufficient for this purpose.
Microfiche copies are also acceptable.
A back-up copy of the manual or computer record should be made and held at an outside location. The original register should be kept in a secure condition, ideally in a fire-proof cabinet. It is important to retain the original information and not replace it with later revisions. If print-outs are used, they should be produced sufficiently often and kept securely enough to prevent tampering with the information. An image or a more comprehensive condition report may be necessary in some cases.