The National Collections Program (NCP) promotes Institutional accountability for the national collections through the development of collections management standards in policy and practice, and through information exchange.

• Develops and oversees the development of collections management policies, procedures, and standards at the Institutional level.
  
• Assists Smithsonian museums, archives, and libraries in their development of collections management policies and procedures.
  
• Coordinates the Institutional review of new and revised policies and provides regular monitoring and review of the degree to which Smithsonian collecting units are meeting established policy requirements.
  
• Compiles and publishes statistical information on the growth, size, and use of the national collections.
  
• Disseminates collections management information stemming from Institutional and other resources to facilitate the management of the national collections and Smithsonian operations as well as enhance professional standards and practices.
  
• Serves as an advocate to encourage Institutional support of collections management as an essential aspect of Smithsonian stewardship.