In the UK at least, it is generally preferred that any funds from sales of
collections (and this is also governed by strict reccomendations) should be
used to improve the care of the remaining collection - in terms of
environmental management etc. This does occasionally run to include improved
security provision. However it does not include new display furniture as a
general rule. Selling collections to fund new purchases is not usually
advised.

All of this is covered by the UK Museums Association Code of Ethics for
People who Work in Museums, and the Re:source (ex Museums and Galleries
Commission) guidelines for Registration.

How does this compare to the US?

Best wishes,

Jane Sarre
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Museums Development Adviser
Kent County Council
Cultural Development Unit
Springfield, Maidstone
Kent ME14 2LH

tel 01622 696439
fax 01622 696419

mobile 07711 722010
email to mobile [log in to unmask]

> ----------
> From:         Harding, Deborah[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent:         25 July 2000 15:42
> Subject:      deaccessions
>
> Here's a nice topic for the list members to gnaw down to the bone.
>
> Does anyone know offhand what are the ethical standards for the use of
> funds
> generated by the sale of deaccessioned items?  Are they to be used for
> collections purchase only, or may they be used for collections support
> (better cabinets, climate control, etc.)?  Do the AAM and the Association
> for State and Local History differ in their standards?  How about method
> of
> disposal (public sale/auction vs. dealers)?  Someone brought up eBay a
> while
> ago, but I didn't see much generated in response.  (Too many people on
> vacation, maybe.)
>
> Deborah Harding
>

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