This is a big "NO". 

Personal use is the antithesis of public access. And if we privilege one "personal use" over someone else's, what message does that send to the rest of our public ("Yes, wealthy socialite or local figure, we will lend you this item to decorate for your holiday party because you are a donor " but "No, plumber or school teacher, we won't lend you this to decorate for your holiday party because you aren't independently wealthy"). It can present the message that "this place and these things are for the enjoyment of the trusted (read: wealthy and well connected enough to enjoy favor with museum leadership) few" which I'm sure is not what the museum is after. While this thing is out on loan to a private person, it is unavailable for study and public enjoyment. 

If you want a less philosophical answer- homes and personal spaces lack appropriate climate monitoring. The potential lenders aren't likely trained in proper handling techniques. Their spaces likely lack sufficient light protection. They also lack sufficient security. They likely lack sufficient insurance. I'd imagine they're loathe to pay for proper packing and transport as well. They have pets and children with footballs and raucous parties and cooking oils and cigarette smoke and various wee beasties. If you ignored the name on the top of the loan form, with those answers, would you still approve that loan? 

I think the case you need to make is that this is not only a violation of the public trust and looks bad, but it's also bad collections stewardship, pure and simple. If your collections management document sets acceptable standards for a loan, or even standards for display, that alone may be enough. 


Cheers,
Tracey Berg-Fulton



On Fri, Jul 12, 2013 at 11:42 AM, Kate McCarthy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Megan,
If you want back up and guidance look at the AAM guidelines for accreditation. I believe they can be found online.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 11, 2013, at 4:01 PM, Meghan Molloy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi Mary,

 

You’ve quickly gotten to the root of my issue!  My specific problem is that board members and wealthy museum members have been asking to loan out accessioned items.  This is something that I am very against allowing and I am looking to cite a standard or official policy that discourages this practice.  Specifically I am writing a policy for our museum on loans and research requests and would like to nip this kind of ‘influence’ in the bud if I can, as it has proven to be a problem in the past.  I am in New York State if that helps.

 

Thanks!

Meghan

 

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kate McCarthy
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2013 4:03 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] protocol for patrons wanting to borrow museum artifacts for personal use?

 

That depends. Are the items accessioned or loaned? Loans, yes, absolutely. Accessioned? No. I'm sorry. At my current job we are very clear that once an item is donated to the museum's collection it belongs to the museum. I believe this is the current standard and best practice. 

However the political climate of an institution has been known to affect this policy. Influential board members, wealthy donors, public relations, etc. Can play a role in the decision.

(I'd like to be clear that I don't support the above idea of affluence having influence. It is just an observation)

Mary McCarthy

Sent from my iPhone


On Jul 11, 2013, at 2:47 PM, Meghan Molloy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hello All,

 

   My museum has recently received several requests from patrons who have donated items to borrow the items back from the museum for personal use.  Are there existing guidelines or common best practices for handling this kind of request?

 

Thanks in advance for your input,

Meghan

 

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