At the Indiana State Museum, we encourage personal collecting because it enhances professional knowledge and judgment and because personal collecting itself is not unethical.  However, in our personal collecting we may not interfere with the lines of communication leading to the acquisition of artifacts or specimens by the museum, whether for personal or financial benefit.  There can be no competition between the museum and an individual staff member for artifacts or specimens needed by the museum.  Any item that is readily available in the retail world may be acquired by an individual if it is not sought through the museum's collecting strategy or if the museum has already declined to acquire the artifact or specimen. Under certain conditions, the employee may be required to disclose their personal collecting in writing.  There are other, finer points that we have to adhere to as well, but in general this is the policy of the museum and has been for twenty years.  I am not aware of there ever having been a violation of this policy.



Jeff Tenuth

Natural History Collection Manager

Indiana State Museum

650 W. Washington St.

Indianapolis, IN 46204

[log in to unmask]

(317) 232-1629





-----Original Message-----

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of C.A. Sneddon

Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 9:30 PM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Declaration of Collecting/code of ethics



Stacey

I would suggest you contact Ms. Clyde Eller at the Alabama Historical Commission. She has one of the best minds in this area and I'm sure she could spend a few moments with you about your code of ethics. Ms Eller is located in Montgomery, AL at 334-230-2668









Cheryl A. Sneddon, Ph.D.

University of Utah 



----- Original Message -----

From: "Stacey Swigart" <[log in to unmask]>

To: [log in to unmask]

Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 1:18:12 PM

Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Declaration of Collecting/code of ethics



Looking for some examples as we revise and update our Code of Ethics. Does anyone have a sample they can share of a "Declaration of Collecting" for staff and board?

Thanks in advance.

Stacey Swigart

Sent from my iPhone

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