# accession date

> acceptance and registration day of the work to the museum or library (cf. Q116518564)

**Wikidata**: [Q116547060](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116547060)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/accession-date

## Summary
An **accession date** is the day when a work is formally accepted and registered by a museum or library. It serves as a record of when the item was received and cataloged, ensuring proper documentation and preservation. This date is crucial for tracking the provenance and availability of collections.

## Key Facts
- An **accession date** is the day a work is registered with a museum or library.
- It is part of **library and information science**, a field combining library science and information science.
- The **International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)** includes guidelines on determining and preserving accession dates.
- The **earliest day** a work is proven to exist is adopted as its accession date.
- Librarians must retain information related to accession dates, including receipt details and publication data.
- The **National Diet Library** in Japan uses accession dates to track its collections.
- The **Fauna of British India** (including Ceylon and Burma) references accession dates in its documentation.
- Accession dates help maintain the integrity of museum and library records.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of an accession date?
A: An accession date records when a work is formally accepted and registered by a museum or library, ensuring proper documentation and tracking of collections.

### Q: How is an accession date determined?
A: The earliest day a work is proven to exist is adopted as its accession date, as per guidelines from the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

### Q: Why is it important to retain accession date information?
A: Librarians must preserve accession date details to maintain accurate records of receipt, publication, and provenance, as required by professional standards.

### Q: Who uses accession dates?
A: Museums, libraries, and institutions in fields like library and information science use accession dates to manage and document their collections.

### Q: Can accession dates be incorrect?
A: Yes, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature specifies that accession dates must be accurate and not altered or removed without proper documentation.

## Why It Matters
An accession date is a fundamental record in the management of museum and library collections. It ensures that works are properly documented upon receipt, maintaining their provenance and availability for research. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature provides clear guidelines to standardize accession dates, preventing errors and ensuring consistency. Institutions like the National Diet Library rely on these dates to organize and preserve their holdings. By retaining accurate accession information, librarians and curators can track the history and status of collections, supporting scholarly research and cultural preservation.

## Notable For
- Serving as a key identifier in museum and library cataloging systems.
- Being governed by the **International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)** for standardization.
- Ensuring the integrity of collections by documenting receipt and provenance.
- Used by institutions like the **National Diet Library** for tracking their archives.
- Referenced in historical works such as *The Fauna of British India*.

## Body
### Definition and Purpose
An **accession date** is the day a work is formally registered with a museum or library. It serves as a critical record of when an item was received and cataloged, ensuring proper documentation and preservation. The date helps track the provenance and availability of collections, making it essential for institutional management.

### Standards and Guidelines
The **International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)** provides guidelines for determining and preserving accession dates. The earliest day a work is proven to exist is adopted as its accession date. The ICZN also specifies that librarians must retain information related to accession dates, including receipt details and publication data, to maintain record integrity.

### Applications
Accession dates are used in **library and information science**, a field that combines library science and information science. Institutions like the **National Diet Library** in Japan rely on accession dates to manage their collections. The **Fauna of British India** (including Ceylon and Burma) references accession dates in its documentation, highlighting their importance in scholarly works.

### Significance
Accession dates ensure the accuracy and reliability of museum and library records. By maintaining precise documentation, institutions can track the history and status of their collections, supporting research and cultural preservation. The retention of accession date information is a professional requirement, as outlined by the ICZN and other standards.

## References

1. [2000](https://code.iczn.org/date-of-publication/article-21-determination-of-date/?frame=1)
2. [2000](http://ujssb.org/iczn/pdf/iczn4_jp_.pdf#page=40)
3. [Moths](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/125063#page/5/mode/1up)
4. [国立国会図書館の蔵書印と受入登録印](https://rnavi.ndl.go.jp/jp/guides/post_1052.html)