Andy,

I personally have an ethical problem with failing to insure my collections
simply because they are technically irreplaceable. I look at insurance as
one of the most basic collections care procedures we have available to us
for long term protection of our collections, and failing to do it endangers
them on an unacceptable level. Insuring your collections does not presume
their complete destruction in an accident, and will help provide for
restoration/conservation efforts. If an object is destroyed, then it at
least can be replaced with something of similar type and interpretive
value.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
             Andy Dickes                                                   
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Hello all-

I work at a museum that has about 5,000 artifacts.  I am relatively new
here, and in the past the museum has peen paying an insurance premium to
cover the estimated worth of the collection.  This does not make sense to
me, since we can't buy back the artifacts if something happens.  What do
other museums do in terms of insurance for artifacts?  Do most have some
sort of insurance, but not necessarily for the entire worth of the
collection, or do most just figure it's not worth it at all?

Thanks in advance-

Andy

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