First, it is not a "sin" to deaccess objects from the permanent collection.
Many, many ethically stellar institutions have, and do on a regular basis.
In fact, it is healthy for an organization to periodically review it's
holdings in light of its approved mission statement. Most museums have sound
policies that govern the process--as does AAM.

Obviously, a serious problem arises when an IRS recognized 501 c (3)
organization decides to dispose of some or all of its collections contrary
to its own policies and procedures (particularly, how the proceeds are
used).  Also, board members have a fiduciary responsibility, once the
decision is made to deaccess, to seek the fair market value for an item
(assuming that it is not being donated/transferred to another non-profit
institution). Thus most boards opt to auction deaccessioned objects in some
type of open market.

Dan Perry
DK Perry & Assoc.


----- Original Message -----
From: Lois Brynes <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: Deaccessioning Question


> 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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