Hi Anne,
    Best scenario may be to "give" the objects in question on long term
loan. Easy to set up and you need not specify any particular time for
return. The "goods & services" should be provided as a donation to the
musuem.
    If this does not work... wring hands, do not set precedent.

Good luck,
        Lois
Lois Brynes
Deep-Time Associates

> From: Anne Lane <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 17:55:09 -0400
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Deaccessioning Question
>
> Hi, folks -
>
> I need your help on a situation - purely hypothetical, mind you!  ; )
>
> There are some items in a collection that do not fit the institution's
> mission and that are taking up sorely needed storage space. The curator of
> the collection is planning on deaccessioning these items. In the course of
> trying to find a new home for them, he has come in contact with a person
> who has a private company that provides goods and services that could be of
> great value to the institution, specifically to the collection in question.
> The person who can provide these goods and services owns and runs a
> private museum that is open to the public. This person would be interested
> in acquiring the deaccessioned items from the institution for display in
> the museum.
> In return this person would provide goods and services to the institution
> for a portion of the appraised value of the items.
> The institution's collections policy forbids deaccessioning items for the
> specific purpose of acquiring other items. It does allow exchanges to be
> made between institutions, but there is concern because the museum in
> question is a private for-profit. The curator would like to see an
> exception made based on what he sees as an opportunity that could not
> otherwise be available to the institution. The possibility of exceptions is
> written into the policy, but there is concern that this would set a bad
> precedent.
> I know this is a thin ice situation, and I'm not looking for wrung hands,
> slapped wrists or cries of "Quel horreur!!!" I would appreciate anyone's
> taking a little time to present reasoned arguments for or against. I have
> had reason before to appreciate the cumulative wisdom of those on this list
> with far more experience and education than I. TIA,
> Anne
>
> Anne T. Lane, Collections Manager
> Museum of York County
> 4621 Mount Gallant Road,
> Rock Hill, SC 29732-9905
> 803-329-2121, ext. 104
> FAX 803-329-5249
>
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