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Almost every specimen record should include information in at least two metadata fields: Institution code and catalog number. Most specimen records, especially those from museums should include information in many other fields as well. Unfortunately, because there are very, very rare scenarios where a catalog number is not appropriate, it is not required by the system. However, in most cases if you either (1) fail to supply a catalog number or (2) create a new object record with a catalog number that is identical to the catalog number used by other physical object records (including blank) with the same institution code, you will be asked to revise the record.
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