SPECTRUM - the UK Museum Documentation Standard - looks at 20 Procedures that affect objects in museums. It establishes minimum standards and develops guidelines to help museums achieve those minimum standards. For more information - see our website. Deaccession & disposal - Minimum Standard The institution must have a policy covering the disposal and deaccession of objects. Refer to Notes for details. The procedure and documentation must: Ensure that the decision to dispose is carefully considered and that all relevant evidence and opinions are sought according to the institution's policy and statutory legal requirements Ensure that the institution makes every effort to determine title to objects involved and that they are free from relevant special conditions attached to the original acquisition Ensure that the decision to dispose does not rest with an individual and the action is formally approved by a governing body Ensure that preference for transfer be given to institutions registered by the Museums & Galleries Commission Ensure that title to the object is transferred to any receiving institution Ensure that objects disposed of are marked as such on the accessions register Ensure that all decisions and actions are fully documented David Dawson email: [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - Outreach Manager, Museum Documentation Association 67 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NN : telephone 01608 645576 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Main Office:- MDA, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 4DH UK tel: (+44) 1223 518126 fax: (+44) 1223 213575 - - - - SEE OUR WEB PAGES - http://www.open.gov.uk/mdocassn/index.htm - - - - -