This landmark publication is the first to draw together all aspects of museum collections management in one handbook. It is designed for anyone with responsibility for a cultural collection and covers everything a collections manager needs to know. It describes professional practice in managing cultural objects and works of art, whatever the size and nature of the collection.
Museum Collections Management includes essential information on:
- Legal aspects of collections
- Ethical issues such as due diligence and immunity from seizure
- Up to date concerns such as sustainability, crossing borders and financial constraints
- Loans, acquisitions, inventory and movement
The book describes all collections management procedures in a simple step-by-step process and is clear and easy to use with all procedures based on international museum practice. Examples of real forms, policies and documents drawn from major museums are included throughout the text and act as guides for any transaction.
PART 1: COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: OVERVIEW AND PRINCIPLES
1. What is collections management?
2. Legal requirements
3. Ethical considerations
4. Practical aspects
PART 2: COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: PROCESSES
5. Documentation
6. Movement
7. Storage
8. Acquisitions
9. Loans
10. Exhibitions and displays
11. Access
Bibliography
Freda Matassa FRSA MA(Hons) DipAL DipEd is a well-known UK expert on collections management who advises, teaches and lectures internationally. Former Head of Collections Management at the Tate Gallery and co-founder of the European Registrars Conference, she is an expert adviser on several European projects for museum standards and to the Minister of Culture on immunity from seizure. She was recently named one of the Top 50 Women to Watch in the arts.