I must have fallen asleep. Didn't read the article. 
Has there been an effort to reconcile the cemetery records against those of the local historical society. Cemetery records especially plot maps are usually generated and maintained by diverse groups. Maybe find an Archivist. Well back to sleep. 

Chris Flynn

> Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2011 11:16:01 -0500
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: RAINdrip: Tech firms' probe of Arlington Cemetery blames paper records, lack of oversight
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> http://wapo.st/hK08gS
> 
> I think these findings are a gross oversimplification of the actual problem
> and to place the blame on 'paper records' is not accurate.  And I SERIOUSLY
> doubt all records were on 3x5 cards, there HAD TO BE plot maps and logs that
> augmented them.
> 
> There was obviously more that needed to be done, but cemeteries have relied
> on ledgers, logs and plot maps for centuries. Many have implemented certain
> technologies for day forward operations and are in the process of back file
> conversion, for plot and interment information, but the old systems still
> function.
> 
> Arlington is a special case, primarily due to the volume and size of the
> overall cemetery, but it is managed in a grid system, essentially as a group
> of smaller cemeteries.  I agree with the findings that using a single fax
> machine backed up by paper and pencil notes was inadequate, but the backlog
> on taking calls sounds more like a staffing issue than anything else. 
> 
> (You may be interested to see this post from the AOTUS on Arlington from
> last November http://bit.ly/eV05ET )
> 
> It is a tragic situation and I hope they can resolve this going forward, but
> I also hope this isn't one of those "scan everything" or "electronic records
> will eliminate all of their problems" resolutions and knee-jerk decisions
> don't make matters worse.
> 
> Larry
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