accession
The formal process of recording and adding a new item to a library, archive, or museum collection; or, the item so added.
Accession is a highly formal administrative term. It represents the moment an object officially becomes the legal property and responsibility of the institution.
Word relationships
- acquisition: Acquisition is the act of getting the item, while accession is the formal administrative process of cataloging and adding it to the official register.
- addition: Addition is any general increase, whereas accession is specifically the official, documented entry into a collection.
- deaccession: Deaccession is the formal process of permanently removing an item from a library or museum's collection.
Commonly confused with
- access: Access is the ability to approach or use something, while accession is the formal process of adding an item to a collection.
Word family
- accessioning (noun): The ongoing process of registering new items into a collection.
Collocations
- accession number
- accession record
- official accession
Example sentences
- "The library's latest accession is a collection of personal letters written by the town's founder during the Civil War." An archival policy document.
Memory hook
Think of 'access' + 'on'. Once a book goes through accession, it is officially 'on' the list and patrons can 'access' it. Accession puts the book officially on the list.
When not to use
Do not use accession for simply buying a book or putting it on a shelf; it refers to the official, documented entry into the permanent collection.
Fun facts
- Every item in a museum or archive has a unique accession number, often starting with the year of acquisition, such as '2023.14.2'.
Related words
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