--------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: Public Programs Collections Date: 97-02-25 17:00:06 EST From: NatCenter To: [log in to unmask] you wrote: <<I would be grateful if anybody has some thoughts on this subject that could help me with my definition.>> At the Smithonian's National Museum of Natural History we had to try to come up with such a definition as part of our collections management policy. We recognized three levels within our collections (actually five if I include the two you seem to have a handle on) 1. Study collections: These would be collections you'd have in you future study centre. They are considered "expendable" in that if they are destroyed over time, there is little important loss to research. However, they may have monetary value. The collections are for older kids and adults to use for serious studies. They are expected to last well over 10 years (hopefully over a 100) despite public access. (that does not just refer to durability, but careful management and handling by the public of more delicate items. These items, while non-accessioned, are catalogued and otherwise treated like a regular part of the museum's collection. 2. Discovery Room collections: These are used in the childrens hands-on center. They are ususally durable but because of their heavy use, have an anticipated lifespan of less than 10 years...and maybe less than one. Because of the "rapid" deterioration and replacement, they are not catalogued. An inventory of items is most likely needed because of the need to keep replacements on hand. 3. Teaching collections. These collections fall somewhere in between. They are objects assembled for school tour programs in the exhibits. They are handled quite a bit, but not as much as in the Discovery Room. Some items might only be used for show and not for touch. There are probably the fewest number of these of the three catagories because they are assembled for specific tour programs. Their longevity is also somewhere in between the two previous catagories. In other words, the definitions we use relate to the degree that the public programs collections are "used" Their use affects the level of collections documentation and management. Only items that are accessioned are likely those things on loan whether intra-mural or inter-mural. Because of the risk of expendibility to the items in the Public Programs collection, it was decided it was too much paperwork to go through the deaccessioning process each time an object was lost or destroyed. So items may be "acquired" but not accessioned. It also avoids the possible conflicts posed by having two departments in the same museum accessioning similar materials. Who decides what to accession? Well, you probably get the picture, there. So, how are things at MoV? I was there just a year ago helping to plan for the study centre. I had a simply super time. It was my first trip down under and I'll remember it with great fondness. I think I learned as much about study centres while I was there as everyone learned from me. When does the packing start? Have they broken ground on the new place yet? Rich Efthim Naturalist Center Smithsonian Institution