Constructive collections management recognises both active collecting and disposal as necessary development functions.
Each requires assured decision-making based upon sound knowledge of collections, supported by robust policies and access to appropriate resources.
(SMC Collections Development Strategy, 2006)
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Collections Information, Acquisition and Disposal
To develop and sustain collections effectively, museums must be confident both about the processes and procedures needed to �shape collections� and about communicating collections development activity to stakeholders and the public. Staff and volunteers can help each other enormously by sharing their experiences of collecting and disposal, providing peer support where appropriate and ensuring that the guidance, skills and mechanisms required by all are up to date and relevant.
For more information about how SMC and our partners support confident collections development activity in museums, please choose from the options below:
Current News and Initiatives
A recent consultation by the Museums Association (MA) on proposed changes to its Code of Ethics on disposal attracted a positive response. The proposed revisions reflect the view that museums are more actively undertaking transfer and disposal as an integral part of collections management, and that transfer and disposal may sometimes be necessary to ensure the sustainability of museum collections.
The consultation closed on 15 June and museum sector responses have been incorporated into the final draft of the changes which will be presented for vote at the MA�s AGM in Glasgow in October. To view the final draft of the proposed changes and to find out more about the MA�s work on disposal, see http://www.museumsassociation.org/ethics&_IXPOS_=rhs3
In its response to the consultation, SMC welcomed the changes: �In Scotland, the subject remains high on museum agendas and features as an integral part of �Shaping Collections�, a key priority in A National Collections Development Strategy for Scotland�s Museums published by SMC in October 2006. Disposal is discussed here as an essential element of constructive collections development and as something which can have as positive an outcome as acquisition when handled in a considered, strategic manner.�
SMC believes that the Disposal Toolkit�s clear definition of prior conditions to be met, along with full explanation of appropriate process to be undertaken, should prevent its abuse. Whilst sale of items from permanent collections must always be of concern, we applaud the MA for putting the necessary framework in place to ensure that where it does happen, up-to-date ethical guidance and practical support is now in place to ensure due diligence.
To read SMC�s full response to the MA consultation, see http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/pdfs/MA_code_of_ethics_revisions_consultation_response.pdf
For further information regarding any aspect of collections development or to discuss current projects contact SMC Collections Development Manager Gillian Findlay, telephone 0131 550 4126 / e-mail [email protected]
