CIDOC Guidelines for Museum Object Information: Condition Information Group

This page is part of the International Guidelines for Museum Object Information: The CIDOC Information Categories: a description of the Information Categories that can be used when developing records about the objects in museum collections. For an outline of the Information Groups and Categories in the Guidelines, turn to the introductory list.

Condition Information Group

Purpose:

Condition information supports Accountability. It helps ensure the physical protection of the object and also supports the identification of objects. Condition information also helps provide physical protection for collections.

Information categories:

Condition
Condition summary
Condition date

Examples:

Condition: fair
Condition summary: hairline cracks in bowl, repairs to base
Condition date: 1993-12-12

Notes:

• This Information Group can be recorded as many times as required for an object.
• When reassessing the condition of the object, retain the previously recorded Condition information in order to compile a history of the condition of the object.

Condition

Alternate names:

Examination history
Physical condition

Definition:

A single term or code describing the overall condition of an object.

Examples:

good
fair
1
C

Notes:

• It is recommended that controlled terms are used for this Information Category. Refer to the "Content and terminology control" section in the Introduction for further guidance on sources of controlled terminology.

Move to beginning of Condition

Condition summary

Alternate names:

Condition note
Condition narrative

Definition:

A short description of the overall condition of the object, including observations on the stability, blemishes, repairs, and completeness.

Examples:

Crack on spout, handle missing, stained interior.

Move to beginning of Condition

Condition date

Definition:

The date the condition of the object was checked.

Examples:

1992-03-23

Notes:

• Always use the same format when recording dates.
• Always record all four digits for the year of a date, e.g., 1994, not '94.

Move to beginning of Condition

Move to outline of the Information Groups and Categories or the next section of the Guidelines, Deaccession and disposal

file: guide.htm; author: CIDOC; updated June 1995