Deaccessioning

Definition

Deaccessioning is the process of permanently removing an item from a museum or cultural institution's collection. This is done for various reasons, such as to free up space, generate funds, or improve the overall quality and relevance of the collection. Deaccessioning is an important aspect of collections management, as it allows institutions to actively curate and maintain their holdings in a responsible and strategic manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deaccessioning is a necessary and accepted practice in the museum and cultural heritage field, but it must be done in a transparent and ethical manner.
2. Museums and institutions typically have specific policies and procedures in place to guide the deaccessioning process, which often involve the approval of a governing body or board of directors.
3. Funds generated from the sale of deaccessioned items are typically used to acquire new objects, care for the existing collection, or support other institutional priorities.
4. Deaccessioning can be a controversial topic, as there are concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage and the potential for abuse or misuse of the process.
5. Ethical guidelines for deaccessioning, such as those established by the American Alliance of Museums, emphasize the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that the process is in the best interest of the institution and the public.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and importance of deaccessioning in the context of collections management.
  • Deaccessioning is a critical aspect of collections management, as it allows museums and cultural institutions to actively curate and maintain their holdings in a responsible and strategic manner. By permanently removing items from their collections, institutions can free up valuable space, generate funds for new acquisitions or collection care, and improve the overall quality and relevance of their collections. This process helps ensure that the institution's resources are focused on the most significant and meaningful objects, which ultimately benefits the public by providing access to a more focused and well-managed collection.
• Describe the typical policies and procedures that guide the deaccessioning process in museums and cultural institutions.
  • Museums and cultural institutions generally have specific policies and procedures in place to govern the deaccessioning process. These typically involve the approval of a governing body or board of directors, and may include requirements such as: establishing clear criteria for determining which objects are eligible for deaccessioning (e.g., objects that are duplicates, in poor condition, or no longer relevant to the institution's mission); conducting thorough research and documentation to ensure the provenance and legal status of the object; providing public notice and opportunity for input; and ensuring that any funds generated from the sale of deaccessioned items are used to support the institution's collection management activities, such as acquiring new objects or caring for the existing collection.
• Analyze the potential ethical concerns and controversies surrounding the deaccessioning of objects from museum and cultural institution collections, and discuss strategies for addressing these issues.
  • Deaccessioning can be a controversial topic, as there are concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage and the potential for abuse or misuse of the process. Ethical guidelines, such as those established by the American Alliance of Museums, emphasize the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that the deaccessioning process is in the best interest of the institution and the public. To address these concerns, museums and cultural institutions must be transparent about their deaccessioning policies and procedures, engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders and the public, and ensure that any funds generated from the sale of deaccessioned items are used to support the institution's core mission and collection management activities. Additionally, institutions should strive to find alternative solutions, such as long-term loans or partnerships with other institutions, before resorting to deaccessioning, and should prioritize the preservation of culturally significant or historically important objects.

Related terms

Accessioning: The process of formally adding an item to a museum or cultural institution's permanent collection, which involves documenting the object's provenance, condition, and significance.

Collection Management: The policies, procedures, and practices used by museums and cultural institutions to acquire, preserve, and care for the objects in their collections.

Provenance:

The documented history of ownership and location of an object, which is crucial for establishing its authenticity and legal status.