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National Collections Program
Developing a Collections Management Policy
What is a Collections Management Policy?
- a detailed written statement that explains why a museum is in operation and how it goes about its business, and it articulates the museum's professional standards regarding objects left in its care.
- sets forth the goals of a museum and explains how these goals are pursued through collection activity.
- provides a mechanism that assures decisions concerning collections are prudent, responsible, informed, and in accordance with the museum's mission.
- establishes governance standards and describes principles which govern collection activities, practices, and operations.
- explains the museum's purpose or mission, identifies who is responsible for carrying out the aspects of this mission, and then describes collections activities which reflect consideration of the basic criteria of collections access and accountability.
- offers comprehensive and practical guidance which assures that careful judgements are being made not only with regard to acquisitions but also with regard to the subsequent use and management of objects.
- guides staff members in carrying out their collection responsibilities.
- an important element of risk management.
- ensures that a museum is fulfilling the fiduciary responsibility for the collections that it holds in trust for the public.
- serves as prevention against uncertainty regarding the role of the museum and the responsibilities of its officers and staff regarding collections.
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