Cataloging and Classification
In previous articles I talked about the need to catalog and classify our collections. Whatever the system used either a pad and pencil or a complex computer application, it is common to find not know what information in the catalog record. In the market there are generic applications such as spreadsheets and databases, which are good solutions for any type of collection, provided that use those fields * that clearly identify each item in the set. Then there are the dedicated applications, themes as it were aimed at popular collection types or common. They tend to be extensive to the point of view very detailed. In contrast to the general solutions and open, they offer a platform and designed and intended for cataloging work focuses on gathering information and not to think about what should be the structure of each of the tabs (or records).
The decision is personal. Whether it is a spreadsheet as a database open, flexibility can be useful to add custom fields too, but otherwise may be omitted or not to think that maybe some are important and have not been taken into account. The dedicated application on the other hand, requires follow a set pattern and can give the impression that there is much more detail than is needed.
What is the content of a tab for a theme?
When you have experience in the subject of the collection is easy to know what is needed and what is not. Either by the amount of information represents the collection itself, either by the mastery of the subject or the knowledge acquired. Instead, the first-collector should find some reference to help you in your mission.
Here comes into play my idea of ​​building templates for each case. Ideally, each a subject matter expert to design your own, and together form a template file so that everyone can use them, adapt them to their own needs and achieve the ultimate goal: catalog your collection. Some fields are virtually essential and common to every collection. For example, Epoca, referring to the century, year or even a specific date may be the origin of the piece in question, or Country / Origin, also useful to know where it came from it. Add an ID, called ID, or code, it helps to uniquely identify each piece. Some things like books, movies, etc.. have, mostly, a unique code, the ISSN or ISBN, but not all. The codes are thus a way of establishing the "registration" so that each object. But this can be cause of a whole separate article.
In short, we will continue talking about catalogs and code templates or keys.
* Field: 15. m. Inform. In a register, space used for a particular category of data.
Resources:
Collectorz.com - Applications dedicated to the cataloging of books, movies, music, comics, etc.. Available in desktop mode, online and mobile. Read information from books and other items from the Internet through the bar code manually or through a low cost laser scanner.
MyStuff2 - App for iPhone / iPhone consisting of a database open format. Allows group hierarchies and categories. Each tab can pesonalizarse to consumer taste. Read information from books and other items from the Internet through the barcode with the camera phone.
Minifigures LEGO Collector - App for iPhone / iPhone. If you collect Lego minifigures, this is your application.
ArteCode: Applications for collectors of stamps and coins. In Spanish.
