Hi Sharon,
We have a “permanent” collection with a sub-category of “for use” . These items include machinery such as a steam engine taken for demonstration, a car that the donor wanted to remain in operating condition and items like that. All are given the prefix “X” before the accession number to indicate they are used. Records are kept on all changes made to the items to keep them in operating condition. And we also have a hands-on teaching collection which is considered to be disposable.
Hope this helps!
Debra Hughes
Curator of Collections and Exhibits
Hagley Museum and Library
P.O. Box 3630
Wilmington, DE 19807
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clothier, Sharon
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 12:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Collections Policies and Categories of Collections Use
Hello All,
Do any of your collections policies include a category for accessioned artifacts that receive regular use? This is different from a hands-on or educational-use category, in which the objects are understood to be eventually expendable. This category would include things that will be preserved but for practical reasons must also be used.
Our museum has some large accessioned pieces that are considered permanent collection, but are used in the galleries either by staff or visitors. One example is a clock, another is a piano. We’ve just acquired a large dining table that would also fall into this category if we decide to accession it into the permanent collection.
As we update our collections policy we want it to reflect the reality of how these things are used, and include a category that recognizes this “gray area” between permanent-collection-preservation and hands-on-use. I’d be grateful to know how other policies have addressed this.
With thanks,
Sharon Clothier
Curator of Decorative Arts
Oshkosh Public Museum
(920) 236-5776
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