SlideShare una empresa de Scribd logo
1 de 31
Descargar para leer sin conexión
MUSEUMS
ASSOCIATION
disposaltoolkit
GUIDELINES
FORMUSEUMS
02 disposaltoolkit
Disposalflowchart	 3
Guidingprinciples	 4
1.Introduction	 5
Purpose of the toolkit	 6
Scope of the toolkit	 6
Using the toolkit 	 6
Ethical and legal context	 7
Managing the process	 7
2.Whydispose?	 8
Outcomes and selection 	 9
Whose views should be sought 	 11
in the process?	
3.Afteranitemhasbeen	 13
selectedfordisposal
4.Methodsofdisposal	 15
Free gift or transfer to another 	 16
Accredited museum
Exchange of items between museums	 16
Free gift or transfer to another 	 17
institution/organisation within the
public domain
Return to donor	 17
Sale of items to an Accredited museum	 18
Transfer outside the public domain	 18
Sale outside the public domain	 19
Recycling of item	 19
Destruction of item	 19
5.Recordingtheprocess	 21
6.Dealingwithproblems	 23
7.Communicating	 25
theprocess
Glossary	 27
Appendices	 28
1. Related organisations 	 28
2. Additional guidance from the 	 29
Charity Commission
3. Good Governance guidance 	 30
4. Additional guidance on
financially motivated disposal
(can be downloaded separately)
Checklistfor	 31
alldisposals	
Abbreviations:
AAO:Accreditation Assessing Organisation
ACE:Arts Council England
CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries
Wales, a division of the Welsh Government
DCMS:Department for Culture, Media and
Sport
MA:Museums Association
MGS:Museums Galleries Scotland
NIMC:Northern Ireland Museums Council
Acknowledgements:
The development and publication of this
toolkit was made possible through funding
from the MA’s Esmee Fairbairn Foundation-
funded Effective Collections programme.
Copyright Museums Association
2014
Contents
Disposal Flowchart
03 disposaltoolkit
Ifsuccessful:
•Agreeanytermsandconditionswith
newrecipient
•Documenttheprocess
•Transferlegaltitle
•Communicatetheprocessproactively
withstakeholdersandthepublic
No
No
Yes
No
Ensureanapprovedcollections
developmentpolicyisinplace,
outliningscopeandabilitytodispose
Selectpotentialitemstobedisposed
offromcollection
Formulateacommunicationsstrategy
Haveethicalconsiderationsbeenmet?
Clarifydesiredoutcomeofthe
processanddrawupanassessment
framework
Selectmethodofdisposalmostlikely
toachievedesiredoutcome
Approachpotentialnewlocations
directlyoradvertiseonMAwebsite,
inMuseumsJournalandspecialist
media(allowtwomonths)
Isthemuseumlegallyabletodisposeof
anitem?
Reconsiderdecisiontodispose
•Ifaloan,considerreturntoowner
•Ifownershipisnotcleardueto
poorrecords:undertakeresearchon
theitemandariskassessmentof
proposedremoval
•Ifduetoconditionslaiddownattime
ofentry:wherepossiblecontactdonor
orfunderandconsiderreview
ofconditions
ENDPROCESS
Yes
Yes
Unacceptabledisposal:
•Primarilyforfinancialreasonsexcept
inexceptionalcircumstances(see
appendix4formoreguidance)
•Onanadhocbasis
•Withoutconsideringexpertadvice
•Ifdoingsowouldadverselyaffectthe
reputationofmuseums
•Ifdoingsowouldnotbeinthelong
terminterest
•Ifdoingsowouldremovetheitem
fromthepublicdomain,unlessin
exceptionalcircumstances
Canbarriertodisposalbeovercome?
Ifunsuccessful:
•Revisitdecisiontodisposeand
desiredoutcome
•Considerifdesiredoutcomecanbe
achievedthroughanalternative
methodofdisposal
Ifnoalternativecanbefound
04 disposaltoolkit
Guidingprinciples
Collectionsare
atangiblelink
betweenthe
past,present
andfuture.
*InthecaseofsomeLocalAuthoritymuseums,
ring-fencingthemoneymaynotbepossible.
Insuchcases,theuseoftheproceedsshould
beclearlyarticulatedandmoneyallocated
accordinglyinawaythatiscompatible
withAccreditationandthe
MACodeofEthics.
ExtractfromtheMACodeofEthics
6.0Collectionsareatangiblelinkbetweenthe
past,presentandfuture.Museumsbalance
theinterestsofdifferentgenerationsby
safeguardingcollections,whichmayinclude
buildingsandsites.
Museumsdevelopandimplementacollections
developmentpolicyinordertoensure
appropriatestandardsofcareandsecurityfor
allitemsentrustedtothem,eitherpermanently
oronloan.
Museumsmeettheirresponsibilitytofuture
generationsbyensuringthatcollectionsarewell
managedandsustainable.Thereisastrong
presumptioninfavouroftheretentionofitems
withinthepublicdomain.Sometimestransfer
withinthepublicdomain,oranotherformof
disposal,canimproveaccessto,ortheuse,care
orcontextof,itemsorcollections.Responsible,
curatorially-motivateddisposaltakesplaceas
partofamuseum’slong-termcollections
developmentpolicy,inordertoincreasepublic
benefitderivedfrommuseumcollections.
6.8Recognisethatformaltitletoand
guardianshipofthecollectionsisvestedin
thegoverningbody,whichmustsatisfyitself
thatdecisionstodisposeareinformedbythe
higheststandardsofexpertiseandtakeinto
accountalllegalandotherattendant
circumstances.
6.9Demonstrateclearlyhowthelong-term
localandgeneralpublicinterestisservedin
circumstancesinwhichdisposalmaybe
appropriateandensurethatpublictrustin
museumsisupheld.
6.10Giveprioritytotransferringitems,
preferablybygift,toAccreditedmuseums.
Considerdonatingitemstootherpublic
institutionsifitisnotpossibleforanother
museumtoacceptthem.Tomaintainpublic
confidenceinmuseums,whereverpossibledo
nottransferitemsoutofthepublicdomain.
(Thisparagraphexcludesmaterialthatisbeing
disposedofbecauseitisdamagedbeyonduse,
dangerous,orisbeingreturnedtoitsplaceof
originorrightfulowner.)
6.11Basedecisionstodisposeonclear,
publishedcriteriaaspartoftheinstitution’s
long-termcollectionsdevelopmentpolicy,
approvedbythegoverningbody.Ensure
transparencyandcarryoutanydisposalopenly,
accordingtounambiguous,generallyaccepted
procedures.Managetheprocesswithcareand
sensitivitytopublicperceptions.
6.12Seektheviewsofstakeholders(such
asdonors,researchers,localandsource
communitiesandothersservedbythemuseum)
whohaveavestedinterestinaproposed
disposal.Insomecasesconsent
fromthedonormaybealegalrequirement.
Whereappropriateseektheviewsofcolleagues
andsectorbodies.
6.13Refusetoundertakedisposalprincipally
forfinancialreasons,exceptinexceptional
circumstancesasdefinedin6.14.Financially
motivateddisposalrisksdamagingpublic
confidenceinmuseumsandtheprinciplethat
collectionsshouldnotnormallyberegarded
asfinancially-negotiableassets.
6.14Considerfinanciallymotivateddisposal
onlyinexceptionalcircumstancesandwhen
itcanbedemonstratedthat:
•itwillsignificantlyimprovethelong-termpublic
benefitderivedfromtheremainingcollection
•itisnottogenerateshort-termrevenue
(forexampletomeetabudgetdeficit)
•itisasalastresortafterothersourcesof
fundinghavebeenthoroughlyexplored
•extensivepriorconsultationwithsector
bodieshasbeenundertaken
•theitemunderconsiderationlies
outsidethemuseum’sestablishedcore
collectionasdefinedinthecollections
developmentpolicy.
6.15Ring-fence*anymoneyraisedasaresult
ofdisposalthroughsale,ifthisexceptional
circumstancearises,solelyanddirectlyfor
thebenefitofthemuseum’scollection.Money
raisedmustberestrictedtothelong-term
sustainability,useanddevelopmentofthe
collection.Ifindoubtabouttheproposeduse
ofsuchrestrictedfundsconsultsectorbodies.
6.16Openlycommunicateanddocumentall
disposalsandthebasisonwhichdecisionsto
disposeweremade.
6.17Applyanymoneyreceivedin
compensationfortheloss,damage
ordestructionofobjectsinthe
collectionsolelyanddirectlyforthe
benefitofthemuseum’scollection.
6.18Respondtorequestsfor
returnofhumanremains,and
otherculturallysensitivematerial
withunderstandingandrespect
forcommunitiesoforigin.
1I
ntroduction
“Museumsenablepeople
toexplorecollectionsfor
inspiration,learningand
enjoyment.Theyareinstitutions
thatcollect,safeguardand
makeaccessibleartefactsand
specimens,whichtheyhold
intrustforsociety.”
MAdefinitionofamuseum
05 disposaltoolkit
Footnotes
1.	Exceptinthecaseof
closedcollections
2.	Thistoolkitreplacesthe
previousversionpublishedin2008
3.	FurtheradvicecanbefoundintheDCMSDue
DilligenceGuidelinesonIllicitTrade:http://
webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/
www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/
publications/3697.aspx
	Guidanceforthecareofhumanremainsin
museums:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.
uk/+/http:/www.culture.gov.uk/reference_
library/publications/3720.aspx
	MGSGuidelinesforcareofhumanremainsin
Scottishmuseumcollections:www.
museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/research-and-
resources/resources/publications/
publication/378/guidelines-for-the-care-of-
human-remains-in-scottish-museum-collections
Museumcollections
representthegenerosity
ofpastandcurrentdonors
andtheendeavoursof
collectors.Thesecollections
areestablishedforthelong
termandeachgeneration
hasresponsibilitytothe
nexttoensuretheydonot
becomeunmanageableor
aburdenandthatthey
remainsustainable.
Equallyitisimperativethatcollectionsareused
anddevelopedinresponsetotheneedsof
today’ssociety.Museumsmustbalancethe
safeguardingandretentionofitemswithin
theircollectionswiththeneedtoreviewand
developcollections,acquireitemsand,
insomecases,removethem.
Museumcollectionsshouldbedeveloped
sothattheyprovidethebestcareand
opportunitiesforuseandengagement.
Curatoriallymotivateddisposalisanintegral
partofresponsiblecollectionsmanagement
andwillensurethatmuseumsarefitfor
futuregenerations.
Disposingofitemsisnotwithoutrisk;however
therecanbesignificantbenefitsiftheprocess
iswellmanaged.Thesecanincludeproviding
bettercareandcurationforanitemor
improvingitspublicaccessanduse.Disposal
shouldnotbeundertakeninisolation,but
shouldbepartofongoingcollections
development,includingcontinuedacquisition1
.
06 disposaltoolkit
INTRODUCTION
Mostitemsaredonated,bequeathedor
purchasedformuseumcollectionsinthe
expectationthattheywillberetainedfor
thelongtermandmadeaccessiblewithinthe
publicdomain.Itisessentialthatanydisposals
takeaccountofthisexpectationanddonot
damagepublicconfidenceinmuseums.
Museumsaretrustedinstitutionsanditis
importantthatthislegacyisnotdamaged.
Theymustensuretransparencyandopenness
aroundthedisposalofitemsfromcollections.
Astrongframeworkalreadyexistswithin
theUKthroughethicaladvicefromtheMA,
standardsandprocedureslaiddowninthe
AccreditationSchemeformuseumsand
galleries,andstandardsdevelopedbythe
CollectionsTrusttosupportmuseumsto
considerandundertakeresponsibledisposal.
Purposeofthetoolkit
Thistoolkit2
providesgeneralinformationand
guidanceoncuratoriallymotivateddisposalof
itemsfrommuseumcollections.
(Additionalguidanceonfinanciallymotivated
disposalcanbefoundinAppendix4,whichcan
bedownloadedseparatelybutshouldberead
inconjunctionwiththistoolkit.)
Theseguidelineswillsupportandadvise
museumswhenmakingdecisionstodispose
ofitemsfromtheircollections.Theguidelines
considerarangeoffactorsandareintended
toensurethatanydisposalsbenefitmuseums,
theircollectionsandthepublic.
Theguidanceissupportedbyadditional
informationandadviceinthedisposal
sectionoftheMA’swebsite:
www.museumsassociation.org
Scopeofthetoolkit
Thistoolkitprovidesgeneralinformation
andguidanceondisposalforallmuseums.
Howeveritisnotwithinthescopeofthis
documenttodealindetailwithindividual
typesofcollectionandthepotentialissues
thatmayrelatetothesecollections.Museums
maywishtoseekfurthersubject-specific
advicefromadditionalsources3
.
Theguidelinesdonotcoverindetaildisposal
throughreturnorrepatriationofitems.
Museumswithcollectionsthatmaybe
subjecttorequestsforrepatriationorreturn
areadvisedtocreateseparatepoliciesand
procedurestoaddressthis.
Usingthetoolkit
Theadviceprovidedisunderpinnedbythe
MACodeofEthics;referencetorelevant
aspectsofthecodeshouldbeconsidered
whenmakingdecisions.Thisguidanceshould
beusedinconjunctionwithamuseum’sexisting
developmentpoliciessuchasthosecovering
acquisitionsanddisposal,aswellasany
strategiesforcollectionsdevelopment.The
toolkitisnotasubstituteforlegaladviceand
museumsshouldseekindependentlegal
advicewherenecessary.NeithertheMA
norAAOsareabletoprovidelegaladvice.
Eachmuseumwillneedtouseitsown
judgementwhenapplyingthisguidanceto
specificcircumstances.Thetoolkitprompts
museumstoconsiderarangeoffactorsin
makinganydecisions.Whatevercourseof
actionamuseumchoosestoundertake,
itmustbeabletoarticulatethisclearly.
07 disposaltoolkit
INTRODUCTION
Ifyouareuncertainorconcernedaboutany
courseofactionamuseumisconsidering,
pleasecontacttheMAforadditionaladvice
andguidance.
Thistoolkitshouldbeusedinconjunction
withtheMACodeofEthics,SPECTRUM:
TheUKMuseumDocumentationStandard,
theAccreditationStandardandamuseum’s
owncollectionsdevelopmentpolicy.
Thetoolkitshouldinformtheorganisation’s
disposalpolicyandproceduresrequiredby
theAccreditationStandard.
Ethicalandlegalcontext
Ethicalcontext
TheMACodeofEthicssupportstheresponsible
disposalofitemsfrommuseumcollections
solongastheymeetalllegalrequirements.
Ethicaldisposalischaracterisedasbeing
undertakenwhen:
•itiswithintheframeworkofaclearlydefined
collectionsdevelopmentpolicy
•itisontheadviceofarangeofstaff(notan
individual)andisagreedbythegoverningbody
•itisdonewiththeintentionthatwherever
possibleitemsremainwithinthepublicdomain
•itisunlikelytodamagepublictrustinmuseums
•itislikelytoincreasethepublicbenefitderived
frommuseumcollections.
Legalcontext
Museumsmayencounterlegalrestrictionsthat
willaffecttheirabilitytodisposeofitemsfrom
theircollections.Theseincluderestrictionslaid
downthroughlegislationrelatingtospecific
museums,suchasnationalmuseums,and
generallegislationrelatingtocharities.Museums
thatareconstitutedascharitiesaresubject
tothetrustsanddirectionslaiddownintheir
governingdocuments.Theyarealsosubjectto
legislationgoverningallcharitiesandthismay
constrainamuseum’sabilitytoremoveitems
fromacollectionoritsmethodofdoingso.
Museumsmayalsobesubjecttootherlegal
restrictionsarisingfromconditionsattached
todonationsorbequests.
Itisvitalwhenconsideringdisposingofany
itemthatamuseumensuresthatitislegally
abletodoso.Ifthereisanydoubtaboutthe
legalimplicationsofacourseofaction,the
museumisadvisedtoseekappropriateadvice.
Thegeneralguidanceinthetoolkitshould
beapplicabletomuseumsacrosstheUKbut
differentlawsmayapplyindifferentparts
oftheUK.
(Foradditionaladviceandguidancefrom
theCharityCommissionseeAppendix2.)
Goodgovernance
Formaltitletoandguardianshipofthe
collectionsisvestedinthemuseum’sgoverning
body,whichmustsatisfyitselfthatdecisionsto
disposeareinformedbythehigheststandards
ofexpertiseandtakeintoaccountalllegaland
otherattendantcircumstances.
Theprocessofdisposalshouldalwaysreflect
principlesofgoodgovernance.Theseprinciples
areassetoutinGoodGovernance:ACodefor
theVoluntaryandCommunitySector(see
Appendix3).
Managingtheprocess
Undertakingareviewofcollectionsandthe
subsequentdisposalofitemscanrequire
considerableresourcesandasignificant
amountofwork.Carefulplanningandgood
managementarenecessarytocarryoutthe
workthoroughlyandsuccessfully.Before
beginningtheprocess,considerthefollowing:
•Timescale
Createatimetabletoassistinplanning,
administeringandmonitoringthework.
Undertakingacomprehensivereviewand
programmeofdisposalistimeconsuming.
•Budget
Thereviewanddisposalofitemsisnotcost
free.Ensurethatanynecessaryresources,
includingstafftime,areavailabletosupport
thework.Itisrecommendedthatabudgetbe
assignedforthisspecificpurpose.
•Staffandreporting
Identifyanystaffwhowillbeinvolvedinthe
process.Ifmorethanonememberofstaff
isinvolved(asisrecommended)thenthe
rolesandresponsibilitiesofeachperson
shouldbeclearlyarticulatedbefore
theworkcommences.
Aclearstructureforreporting,reviewingand
approvingtheworkshouldbeestablished.
Thegoverningbodyshouldbeincludedin
theprocess.
Formoreadvicesee
Whoseviewsshouldbesoughtintheprocess?
onpage11
2Why
dispose?
08 disposaltoolkit
INTRODUCTION
Outcomesandselection
Outcomesfromthedisposalofanitem
fromacollection
Beforeundertakingthedisposalofanyitem,
theintendedoutcomesoftheprocessshould
beconsideredandarticulated.Definingclear
outcomeswillassistinthedecision-making
processandtheidentificationofasuitable
methodfordisposal.Ifthedesiredoutcome
cannotbeachieved,itisadvisabletoreviewthe
decision.Inthecaseofacharitytheobjectsand
purposesofthecharitymustbeconsidered.
Likelyintendedoutcomesfromdisposal:
Theseoutcomesshoulddemonstrate
howpublicbenefitwillincreaseasaresult.
Itisrecommendedthatdisposalshouldbe
basedonachievingasmanyoftheprimary
outcomeslistedbelowaspossible,although
theincidentaloutcomesmayalsoresult.
Primaryoutcomesofacuratorially
motivateddisposal
•improvedcarefortheitem
•improvedaccesstotheitem;increased
enjoymentofandengagementwiththe
itembythepublic
•improvedcontextfortheitem
•continuedretentionoftheitemwithin
publicmuseumcollectionsorthewider
publicdomain
•removalofanyhazardposedbyanitem
(e.g.throughcontamination).
Incidentaloutcomesofacuratorially
motivateddisposal
•resourcesfreeduptobettercareforand
utiliseotherpartsofthecollection
•creatingoroptimisingspace(inordertoassist
theimprovedcareandcontinuedacquisition
ofcollections).
Theaboveoutcomesshowthattherearea
varietyofreasonswhyamuseummayselectan
itemfordisposal.Beforebeginningthedisposal
process,amuseumshouldestablishclear
selectioncriteriabywhichtojudgeeach
decision.Creatingaframeworkforassessing
items,whichcanbeusedinacollectionsreview,
providesausefulguidewhenmakingdecisions.
Decisionsmust:
•bemadewithinthecontextofanapproved
collectionsdevelopmentpolicy
•bebasedonclearlyexpressedintended
outcomes
•demonstratelong-termbenefitto:
-themuseumcollection
-publicuseofandengagementwith
museumcollections.
Itisunacceptabletodisposeofanitem:
•forfinancialreasons(unlessinexceptional
circumstances,inwhichcasetheadditional
guidanceinAppendix4shouldbefollowed)
•onanadhocbasis(i.e.otherthanaspartof
anapprovedcollectionsdevelopmentpolicy)
•withoutconsideringadvicefromsomeone
withspecialistknowledgeofthistypeofitem
•ifthedisposalwouldadverselyaffectthe
publicreputationofmuseums
•ifthedisposalwouldnotbeinthelong-term
publicinterest
•outsidethepublicdomain,exceptin
exceptionalcircumstances.
Museumsdisposingofitemswiththeoverriding
aimofachievinganyoftheincidentaloutcomes
shouldproceedwithcaution.
Significantconsequencesmayarisefrom
anunethicaldisposal.Ifyouareconcerned
aboutaproposeddisposal,especially
whereanincidentaloutcomeisa
significantmotivation,pleasecontactthe
MAforadditionaladviceandguidance.
Selection:
Inordertoachievetheprimaryoutcomesa
museummayselect:
Itemsthatfalloutsidethecorecollection
asdefinedbyamuseum’scollections
developmentpolicy
AllAccreditedmuseumsmusthaveanapproved
collectionsdevelopmentpolicyinplace.This
guidesacquisitionanddisposal,andshapesthe
collection.Collectionsevolveanditmaybethat
certainobjectsnolongerfallwithinthecore
collectionasdefinedbyamuseum’scollections
developmentpolicy*.Ifanitemisnolonger
relevant,notinuseorthereisnoreasonable
expectationofitbeingused,itmaybe
appropriatetodisposeofit.
(*Notfittingwithintheconfinesofthe
collection,asdefinedbytheapproved
collectionsdevelopmentpolicy,shouldnot
09 disposaltoolkit
Whydispose?
automaticallynecessitateanitem’sdisposal.
Iftheitemiscurrentlybeingused,hasbeen
usedrecentlyorhasidentifiablepotentialusein
thefuturethereisastrongcaseforretention.)
Thingstoconsider:
•whywastheitemacquiredinthefirstplace?
•istheitemcurrentlybeingused? Ifso,then
thereisastrongargumentforretention
•istheitembeingselectedbecauseitisout
offashion?Ifso,proceedwithcaution
•wouldtheitemfitbetterandbemorewidely
usedandaccessibleinanothermuseum’s
collection(e.g.woulditbemoregeographically
orculturallyrelevant)?
Duplicateitems
Thefactthatanobjectisanapparentduplicate
shouldnotautomaticallybeajustificationfor
disposal;theseitemsmayhavesignificant
storiesorhistoriesattachedtothem,which
needtobeassessed.
Thingstoconsider:
•istheduplicateinuse? Arethereany
identifiableusesfortheiteminthefuture?
•doestheitemhaveauniquehistory?
•isthereculturalvalueinretainingmorethan
oneoftheitems?
•couldausebefoundfortheiteminanother
partofthecollection(e.g.education)?
•istheduplicateitemlikelytobefoundinother
museums?(Ifso,itmaybedifficulttotransfer.)
Underuseditems
Someitemswithincollectionshavenever
beenusedorarerarelyused.Ifthereislittle
ornolikelihoodofthemuseumfindingause
inthefuture,itmaybeappropriatetoremove
itfromthecollection.
Thingstoconsider:
•whyisthisitemunused;whatarethe
potentialopportunitiesforuseinthefuture?
•coulditbebetterusedbyanothermuseum?
•ifspecialistknowledgecouldbeobtained,
istherealikelihoodthattheitemcouldbe
broughtintouse?
•isthespecialistknowledgemorelikelytobe
availableiftheitemistransferred?
•whatistheculturalsignificanceoftheitem
withinthecollection?
•istheitemuniqueoristhereothersimilar
materialinthecollection?
•istheitembeingselectedbecauseitisoutof
fashion?Ifso,proceedwithcaution
•couldthemuseumfindausefortheitem(e.g.
objecthandling,educationorsetdressing)?
Itemsforwhichthemuseumisunableto
provideadequatecareorcuration
Somemuseumsmayfindthattheyhaveitems
intheircollectionsthattheyeitherdonothave
thespecialistknowledgetouseappropriately,
orlackadequateresourcestocarefor.Insuch
caseswherethereislittleexpectationthatthe
museumwillbeabletoprovidesuitablecare,it
maybemoreappropriatetoremoveitemstoa
collectionwheretheircarecanbeimproved.
Thingstoconsider:
•istheitemrelevanttothecollection?
•wouldtheitemfitbetterinanothercollection?
•cantheresourcesbeobtainedtocarefor
theitem?
•aretheresourcesmorelikelytobeavailable
inanothermuseum?
Itemsthataredamagedordeteriorated
beyondthemuseum’sabilitytorepair
Theremaybeitemsthataredamaged
beyondthemuseum’sabilitytorepairthem
andthereforecannotbeused.Suchitems
maybeconsideredfordisposal.
Thingstoconsider:
•istheitembeyondrepair?
•whatwoulditcosttoconserveorrepair
theitem?
•isthecostofconservingandrepairingthe
itemwithintheresourcesofthemuseum?
•isanotherowner,suchasanothermuseum
oraspecialistorenthusiasts’group,better
abletorepairandusetheitem?
10 disposaltoolkit
Whydispose?
Uncontextualisedorunprovenanceditems
Duetopastmethods,managementand
recordingofacquisitions,museumsmay
possessmaterialthatlacksdocumentationand
recordedprovenance.Insomesuchcasesitems
maynotbeofuseandasaresultamuseummay
considerremovingthemfromthecollection.
(SeeSection6,p23.)
Thingstoconsider:
•hassufficienteffortbeenmadetoresearch
theitem’shistory?
•cananotherusebefoundfortheitem?
•hasthemuseumundertakenarisk
assessmentrelatingto
disposaloftheitem?
Itemsthatposeathreattohealth
andsafety
Museumsmayholditemsthatarehazardous
tothepublicortheworkforceonhealthand
safetygrounds.Itmaybeadvisabletodispose
oftheseitems.
Thingstoconsider:
•whatistherisktothepublicandtheworkforce?
•isitpossibletoremovetheriskandstillretain
theitem?
•howcantheitembedestroyedsafely?
•whatlegislationmayaffecttheitem’s
retentionordisposalfromthecollection?
Museumsselectingitemsforthefollowing
reasonsshouldproceedwithcaution:
Itemsthatcouldbesoldtopurchase
betterexamples
Museumsmayconsiderselectinganitemonthe
groundsthatabetterexamplemaybeavailable
andwouldenhancethecollection.Thispractice
isoftenreferredtoas‘tradingup’.Itisnot
commonpracticeintheUKandassuch,careful
considerationshouldbegiventothemissionof
themuseum,theimplicationsandreactionto
thiscourseofaction.
Thingstoconsider:
•whatisthesignificanceoftheselected
itemwithinthecontextofthecollection?
•whatimpactmightthelossoftheitem
haveonthecollection?
•howdoesthiscourseofactionservethe
publicinterest?
Itemsthatareselectedfortheir
potentialtogenerateincome
Thereisahighlevelofriskinvolvedinthiscourse
ofactionanditshouldonlytakeplaceafter
extensiveconsultationwiththeMAandother
sectorbodies.Museumsconsideringthiscourse
ofactionshouldfollowthedetailedguidanceon
financiallymotivateddisposalinAppendix4.
Whoseviewsshouldbe
soughtintheprocess?
Thefinaldecisionaboutwhetheranitemis
removedfromacollectionrestswiththe
governingbody;howeverarangeofviews
shouldbesoughtintheprocess.
Museumworkforce
Itisgoodpracticetoinvolvearangeofpeople
workinginthemuseuminthediscussionsand
selectionofitemstoberemoved.Thismight
includepeopleworkinginothersubject
disciplinesorothermuseumactivitiessuch
asinterpretation,education,marketingand
front-of-house.Somemuseumshaveinternal
disposalpanelstooverseetheprocess.
Ifthesubjectspecialistknowledgetoassess
itemsinthecollectionisnotavailablewithin
themuseumthenadvicemustbesoughtfrom
externalsources.Itisadvisabletoseekmore
thanoneopinion,especiallyifamuseumis
seekingadvicefromanauctionhouseordealer.
Potentialsourcesofadviceinclude:museums
withsimilarcollections;subjectspecialist
networks;anduniversities.Theremayalsobe
opportunitiestoconsiderareviewofaspects
ofthecollectionincollaborationwithother
colleaguesinthesector.
11 disposaltoolkit
Whydispose?
Externalfunders
Iftheitemwasacquiredorconservedwith
externalfundingthentheappropriatefunding
bodymustbecontacted.Itsviewsandany
requirementsitmakesmustbetakeninto
considerationbeforeanydisposaldecision
canbemade.Repaymentofanyfunds
providedmaybenecessary.
Donors
Donorsareessentialtothedevelopmentof
museumcollections,bothinthepastandthe
future,soconsideringtheirviewsandreactions
isimportant.Opinionontheinvolvementof
donorsinthedisposalprocessvariesbut
museumsareencouragedtoconsiderthe
sensibilitiesofdonorswhenmakingdecisions,
aspartofanyduediligenceprocess.Inallcases
museumsmustconsidertheoriginaltermsof
thedonation.
Museumscurrentlyinvolvedonorsatavariety
ofstagesoftheprocess:toseektheirviewson
thedisposalofanitem;toinformthemasa
courtesyonceadecisionhasbeenmade;orin
somecasestoreturnanitem.Museumsmay
considerinvolvingorcontactingdonorsasa
significantpartofmanaginganyriskinvolved
inthedisposalprocess,andasamethodof
maintainingpublictrust.
Whendecidingwhethertoinvolvedonorsinany
partoftheprocess,museumsshouldconsider
howtheiractions:
•couldaffectpublictrustinmuseums
•couldaffectfuturedonationstomuseums
•willmeettheneedfortransparencyand
opennessarounddisposal.
Museumsmayberequiredtoinvolvedonorsin
theprocessduetoconditionsmadeatthetime
ofacquisition.Insomecasesthenatureofthe
relationshipwiththedonor(e.g.alivingartist)
willnecessitateconsultation.
Museumsmaynotconsideritappropriateto
involvedonorsinthedecision-makingprocess.
However,itisrecommendedthatdonorsare
informedasacourtesyonceadecisionhas
beenmade.Anycommunicationwithdonors
shouldoutlinewhythedecisionhasbeenmade,
whathashappenedtoanyitemasaresultand
thepotentialbenefitsofthiscourseofaction.
Tracingandcontactingpastdonorscanbe
timeconsuming.Itisrecommendedthat
museumsformulateapolicythatclearly
statesthelengthstowhichitwillgotofulfil
anycommitmenttoinformpastdonors.
Anypolicycouldinclude:
•arealisticandpragmatictimelimitonwhich
donorswillbecontacted(e.g.onlythosewho
havedonateditemsinthepast10or20years)
•anagreementtowriteonlytothelastknown
address(nottoundertakeworktoobtaina
newaddressifadonorhasmoved)
•whatperiodoftimewillbegivenfordonors
torespondtoinformationrelatingtoa
proposeddisposal
•whetherdescendantsofdonorswillbe
contacted,andaproportionateapproach
ifthisisbeingconsidered.
Whetherornotamuseumchoosestoinvolve
donors,itmustbeabletoarticulateclearlywhy
ithasadoptedtheapproachinquestion.Ifa
museumdoesinvolvedonors,clearparameters
shouldbeestablishedsothatexpectations
canbemanaged.
12 disposaltoolkit
Whydispose?
Inordertomitigatefutureproblemswith
donorsinrelationtothedisposalofitems,
ensurethatadequateinformationrelatingto
thepossibilityofdisposalinthefutureis
providedatthetimeofallnewacquisitions.
(SeetheMA’sethicalguidelinesonacquisition,
whichprovideguidanceonproducingentry
formsandletterstopotentialdonors:
www.museumsassociation.org)
Otherstakeholders
Itisrecommendedthatmuseumsconsider
theviewsoftheirstakeholdersandthose
whohaveavestedinterestinthecollections,
suchasvisitors,researchers,localorsource
communitiesand,inthecaseofcontemporary
art,livingartists.Museumscanbenefitfrom
involvingthoseoutsidethemuseumbyusing
communitypanels,forexample.Thisisauseful
waytomeettherequirementforgreater
transparencyandopenness.
Itmaybeadvisableformuseumstoadopt
aflexibleapproachtoinvolvementand
consultationwithothersasthe
appropriatenessofconsultationmaydiffer
dependingontheitembeingremoved.For
example,thematerialmayrelatetoaclearly
identifiablegrouporconstituencyofthelocal
populationwhomayhaveastrongconnection
totheitem,oritmaybeofparticularrelevance
orconnectedtostakeholdersoverseas.
Itisrecommended
thatmuseums
considertheviews
oftheirstakeholders
andthosewhohave
avestedinterestin
thecollections.
3A
fter
anitemh
asb
eenselected
fordisposal
13 disposaltoolkit
Onceamuseumhas
selectedanitemfor
disposal,thecurrentstatus
oftheitemandthemethod
ofitsentryintothe
collectionshouldbe
investigated.Thiscould
affectanyproposedcourse
ofactionandmayinfluence
themethodofdisposal.
Loan:Iftheiteminquestionisonloan,contact
thelendertodiscussitsreturn.
Purchase:Iftheitemwasacquiredwiththe
assistanceofexternalfunds,contactfunding
bodiestodiscussanyplannedcourseofaction.
Donation/bequest:Establishwhetherthere
wereanyconditionslaiddownatthetimeof
depositionthatmayaffectanyplanned
disposal.
Unaccessioned/methodofentryunknown:
Themuseummustgotoreasonablelengthsto
researchthehistoryofanitem.
Checkthatyouarelegallyabletodispose
Reviewthedocumentationoftheitemto
ensurethatthemuseumhaslegaltitleto
removeitandthattherearenoconditions
attachedthatmightpreventthemuseum
fromfollowingthiscourseofaction.(Take
legaladviceifnecessary.)
Ifthemuseumisplanningtodisposeof
unaccessioneditemswhereformaltitlecannot
beestablished,ariskassessmentofthiscourse
ofactionshouldbeundertaken.
Makingthedecisiontoremove
Decisionstoremoveanitemfromthecollection
mustbemadebythemuseum’sgoverningbody,
actingontheadviceofrelevantstaff.Decisions
toremovemustnotbemadebyamemberof
staffactingalone.Thefinaldecisionrelatingto
thedisposalofanitemmustbeapprovedby
thegoverningbodyanddocumented.
Consequencesofanunethicaldecision
toremove
Unethicaldecisionstodisposeofanitemmay
havesignificantconsequencesforamuseum.
Thesearelikelytoinclude:
•lossordamageofpublictrustinallmuseums
•adversepublicityandlong-termnegative
perceptionsofthemuseum
•lossofAccreditedstatus
•disciplinaryactionfromtheMA(ifamember).
Thesefactorsarehighlylikelytojeopardisea
museum’sabilitytosecureinvestmentfrom
fundingbodies.Unacceptabledisposalofan
itemmayalsoaffectworkingrelationships
withotherAccreditedmuseums,whoasa
resultmaybeunwillingtoloanitemsorwork
oncollaborativeprojects.
Oncethedecisionhasbeenmade,selectthe
mostappropriatemethodofdisposal.
14 disposaltoolkit
Afteranitemhas
beenselected
fordisposal
15 disposaltoolkit
4M
eth
ods
ofdisposal
Thefollowingshouldbeofkey
considerationwhenselectingamethod
ofdisposal:
•thereisastrongpresumptionforkeeping
itemswithinthepublicdomain
•thereisastrongpreferenceforfreegift
ortransfertootherAccreditedmuseums
anditemsshouldbeofferedtotheminthe
firstinstance
•actionshouldbetakenthatensurecontinued
publictrustinmuseums.
Whatevermethodofdisposalisselected,
thefollowingstepsmustbetakenin
allcases:
•identifyAccreditedmuseumswithsuitable
collectionsandapproachdirectly
•ifnomuseumisidentified,informthemuseum
sectorandotherrelevantgroupsofavailability
ofitems
•ensuretransparencyandcommunicatethe
processbeyondthemuseum
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletoanyrecipient
andanyappropriatetransferofintellectual
propertyrights
•documenttheprocess.
Inordertoselect
themostsuitable
methodofdisposal
keepinmindthe
desiredoutcome.
Inordertoselectthemostsuitablemethodof
disposalkeepinmindthedesiredoutcome.
Freegiftortransferto
anotherAccreditedmuseum
Itisrecommendedthatwherepossible
preferencebegiventothismethodofdisposal,
asitisthemostlikelytoensurethatitems
remaincaredforandaccessibletothepublic.
Thisapproachhasbeencentraltothe
longstandingtraditionofmutualcooperation
betweenmuseums.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwouldthetransferoftheitemtoanother
museumhelptoachievethedesiredoutcome?
•whatisthepotentialforincreaseduseofthe
itemthroughtransfertoanothermuseum?
•isthereceivingmuseumabletoprovide
adequatecareandopportunitiesforaccess?
•anyconditionsoftransfer
•publicreactiontotransfer.
Stepstotake:
•ensurethatthemuseumislegallyableto
removetheitembyfreegiftortransfer
•ifpossible,identifymuseumswithsuitable
collectionsandapproachdirectly
•ifnomuseumisidentifieddirectly,informthe
museumsectorandotherrelevantgroupsof
availabilityofitems
•onceanewrecipientisidentified,agree
termsfortransfer(cost,responsibilityfor
transportetc.)
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletoreceiving
institution
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifthismethodisunsuccessful:
•revisitthedecisiontoremovetheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanothermethod
ofdisposal.
Informingthemuseumsectorandrelevant
organisations:
Unlessanitemgoesdirectlytoanother
Accreditedmuseumorisbeingreturnedor
repatriated,themuseumsectorandother
relevantorganisationsshouldbeinformed
andofferedtheitems.
Toinformthesectoranoticecanbeplacedon
theMA’sFindanObjectweblistingservice:
www.museumsassociation.org/collections
Thisfacilityallowsmuseumstoprovide
comprehensiveinformationaboutitemsthey
wishtodisposeof.Allowatleasttwomonths
forothermuseumstoexpressaninterest.
NoticescanalsobeplacedinMuseumsJournal
andotherspecialistpressorrelevantwebsites.
Exchangeofitems
betweenmuseums
Museumsmaychoosetoexchangeitems
betweenthemselves.Exchangingcollectionsis
commonpracticeinthefieldofnaturalhistory.
16 disposaltoolkit
Methodsof
disposal
There
isastrong
preferencefor
andtraditionof
freegiftortransfer
betweenmuseums.
Freegiftortransferto
anotherinstitution/
organisationwithinthe
publicdomain4
Itisrecommendedthatthismethodofdisposal
isonlyundertakenonceithasbeenestablished
thatnoAccreditedmuseumisabletoaccept
anitem.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwilltransferoftheitemtoanotherbody
withinthepublicdomainhelptoachievethe
desiredoutcome?
•whataretheotherbenefitsoftransferring
theitemtoanotherbodywithinthe
publicdomain?
•isthepotentialrecipientabletoprovide
adequatecareandopportunitiesfor
accessanduse?
•shouldconditionsbeimposedand,ifso,
whatshouldtheybe?
•Howmightthepublicreacttothetransfer?
Stepstotake:
•identifypotentialrecipientsandapproach
directly
•ifsuccessful,onceanewrecipientisidentified
agreetermsandconditionsfortransfer(such
as:costandresponsibilityfortransport,any
potentialfuturecontact,anyobligations
shouldthenewrecipientnolongerrequire
theitemorbeabletoprovideadequatecare
oraccess)
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletorecipient
•ensuretransparencyandcommunicate
theprocess
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifthismethodisunsuccessful:
•revisitthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanothermethod
ofdisposal.
Returntodonor
Museumsmayconsiderreturningitemsto
donors,especiallyifitappearsimpossible
tokeeptheminthepublicdomain.Itis
recommendedthatreturntoadonorisonly
consideredoncetheitemhasbeenofferedto
othermuseums,unlessthereareextenuating
circumstancessuchas:conditionslaiddownon
donation;anitemhavingaparticularpersonal
significancetothedonorandalowculturalvalue;
orastronglikelihoodthattheitemwill
betransferredoutofthelocalarea.
Returnofitemstothedescendantsofdonors
mayproveproblematicandshouldbegiven
carefulconsideration.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwillthereturnoftheitemtothedonor
helptoachievethedesiredoutcome?
•isthemuseumlegallyabletoreturntheitem?
(seeAppendix2foradvicefromtheCharity
Commission)
•thelengthoftimesincethedonationwasmade
andthelikelihoodofthedonor’sdetailsbeing
up-to-date(Itmaybeusefultosetaspecific
timeperiodwheninvolvingdonors–for
exampleiftheitemwasdonatedinthepast10
years,attemptswillbemadetocontact-see
Whoseviewsshouldbesoughtintheprocess?
onpage11formoreinformation)
•riskoffamilydisputesovertheitem
•publicreactiontothedisposal.
Stepstotake:
•contactdonortoascertainwhethertheywould
liketheitemback
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletorecipient
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifthismethodisunsuccessful:
•revisitthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanothermethod
ofdisposal.
17 disposaltoolkit
Methodsof
disposal
Footnote
4.	Seeglossaryfor
definitionofpublicdomain
Saleofitemtoan
Accreditedmuseum
Thereisastrongpreferenceandtraditionof
freegiftortransferbetweenmuseums.Itis
recommendedthatofferingitemstoother
museumsbysaleisnotconsideredinthefirst
instance.Requestingpaymentfromother
publiclyfundedmuseumsmayaffectthe
likelihoodofanewlocationbeingfoundand
makeitlesslikelythatitemswillberetained
withinthepublicdomain.
However,somemuseumsmaychoosetosellto
othermuseumsinthefirstinstance.Thismay
bebecausetheinstitutionpurchasedtheitem
withitsownfundsorhasinvestedasignificant
amountofmoneyinconservingit.Some
museumsmaybelegallyrequiredundercharity
lawtosellitems(seeAppendix2).
Anymoneyraisedasaresultofdisposal
throughsalemustbeappliedsolelyanddirectly
forthebenefitofthemuseum’scollection.
Moneyraisedshouldbeinvestedinthe
long-termsustainability,useanddevelopment
ofthecollection(e.g.bycreatingorincreasing
anendowment,makingnewacquisitionsor
makingasignificantcapitalinvestmentwhich
willbringlong-termbenefit).Theuseof
proceedsfromanysalewillbemonitored
throughtheAccreditationprocess.
Moreguidanceonthesaleofmuseum
collections,particularlyfinanciallymotivated
disposal,canbefoundinAppendix4.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwillthesaleoftheitemhelptoachieve
thedesiredoutcome?
•whatareotherbenefitstothepublicfrom
thissale?
•isthecurrentmarketpriceortheoriginal
purchasepricebeingsoughtfortheitem?
•whatisthelikelihoodofanothermuseum
beingabletopurchasetheitem?
•whatcourseofactionwillbetakenifno
museumisabletopurchasetheitem?
(e.g.offeringtheitematareducedprice5
orasalong-termloan)
•howwilltheproceedsofthesalebeused?
•publicreactiontothesale.
Stepstotake:
•ifpossible,identifymuseumswithsuitable
collectionsandapproachdirectly
•ifnomuseumisidentified,informthe
museumsectorandotherrelevantgroups
ofavailabilityofitems(seeInformingthe
museumsectoronpage16)
•seekexpertindependentadviceontheitem’s
financialvalueandrecommendanypurchaser
doesthesame
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletorecipient
•ensuretransparencyandcommunicate
theprocess
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifthismethodisunsuccessful:
•revisitthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanothermethod
ofdisposal
•consideranalternativecourseofaction
(suchasofferingtheitematareducedprice
orasalong-termloan).
Transferoutsidethe
publicdomain
Thiscourseofactionshouldnormallyonlybe
undertakenafterithasbeenestablishedthat
nomuseum(orotherorganisationwithinthe
widerpublicdomain)isabletotaketheitem.
Museumsshouldfirstadvertisetheavailability
oftheitemtomuseumsontheMA’sFindan
Objectweblistingservice.Transferoutsidethe
publicdomainisnotrecommendedasaninitial
courseofaction.
Theremayhoweverbecircumstanceswhere
itisappropriateandthedesiredoutcomescan
bemetbytransferringitemstoindividualsor
bodiesoutsideofthepublicdomain,suchas
enthusiastorspecialistgroups.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwillthedisposaloftheitemhelpto
achievethedesiredoutcome?
•canadequatelong-termcarebeprovided
fortheitem?
•willthepublichaveanyaccesstotheitem?
•areconditionsgoingtobeplacedonthe
transfer?Forexample,iftherecipientno
longerrequirestheitem,shouldit
bereturnedtothemuseumin
thefirstinstance?
•publicreactionto
thetransfer.
Stepstotake:
•identifyandinformpotentialorganisations
orindividuals
•ifsuccessful,oncearecipientisidentified
agreetermsandconditionsfortransfer
(e.g.costandresponsibilityfortransport;any
potentialfuturecontact;requirementsshould
theitemnolongerbewantedatafuturedate)
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletoreceivingbody
•ensuretransparencyandcommunicate
theprocess
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifmethodisunsuccessful:
•revisitthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanother
methodofdisposal.
18 disposaltoolkit
Methodsof
disposal
Footnote
5.	Formoreinformationonsaleata
reducedpriceseeAppendix4
TransfertomuseumsoutsideoftheUK
Followingresearchcarriedoutaspartofa
collectionsreview,amuseummaydecideto
disposeofanitemtoamuseumoutsidetheUK.
Thismaybedoneifitisintheinterestsofthe
museumandthewiderpublicbenefit.Unless
thereareextenuatingcircumstances,suchas
disposalongroundsofrepatriation,transfer
toamuseumoutsideoftheUKshouldonly
takeplaceafteritemshavebeenofferedto
AccreditedmuseumsintheUK.Theremayalso
belegalimplicationsofadisposaltoamuseum
outsidetheUK(e.g.undercharitylaw)and
legaladviceshouldbesought.Inexceptional
circumstancesitemsmaybesubjecttoexport
deferralbytheSecretaryofState,insuchcases
museumsshouldseekspecialistadvice.6
Saleoutsidethepublicdomain
Thiscourseofactionmustonlybeundertaken
afterithasbeenestablishedthatnomuseum
(orotherorganisationwithinthewiderpublic
domain)isabletotaketheitem.Museums
shouldfirstadvertisetheavailabilityoftheitem
ontheMA’sFindanObjectweblistingservice.
Itisnotrecommendedasaninitialcourse
ofaction.
Inallbutthemostexceptionalcircumstancesit
isunacceptableforamuseumtoselectitems
fordisposalwiththeprincipalaimofgenerating
income.Thereisasignificantriskinvolvedin
undertakingthiscourseofaction,inparticular
tothereputationofindividualmuseumsand
thepublictrustinvestedinthesectorasa
whole.Thisisnotrecommendedandshould
onlybeundertakeninexceptional
circumstances,withadditionalsupportand
guidancefromtheMAandinconsultationwith
sectorbodies.Museumsconsideringthiscourse
ofactionshouldfollowthedetailedguidancein
Appendix4.
Anymoneyraisedasaresultofdisposal
throughsaleshouldbeappliedsolelyand
directlyforthebenefitofthemuseum’s
collection.Moneyraisedshouldbeinvested
inthelong-termsustainability,useand
developmentofthecollection(forexample,by
creatingorincreasinganendowment,making
newacquisitionsormakingasignificantcapital
investmentwhichwillbringlong-termbenefit
totheexistingmuseum).
Thingstoconsider:
•howwillthedisposaloftheitemhelpto
achievethedesiredoutcome?
•canadequatecarebeprovidedfortheitem?
•willthepublichaveanyaccesstotheitem?
•areconditionsgoingtobeplacedonanysale?
Forexample,iftherecipientnolonger
requirestheitem,shoulditbeofferedback
tothemuseuminthefirstinstance?
•whatwilltheproceedsbespenton?
•publicreactionandconsequencesof
negativepublicity.
Stepstotake:
•identifyandinformpotentialorganisations
orindividuals
•selectamethodofsale
•ifappropriate,onceanewrecipientis
identifiedagreetermsandconditionsofsale
(suchasanypotentialfuturecontactoraccess
totheitem,anyrequirementsshouldthe
buyernolongerrequiretheitem)
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletonewrecipient
•ensuretransparencyand
communicatetheprocess
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Whattodoifmethodisunsuccessful
•revisitthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcome
couldbeachievedthroughanothermethod
ofdisposal.
Recyclingofitem
Ifanewlocationcannotbefoundandother
methodsarenotappropriate,amuseummay
considerrecyclinganitemthroughsaleas
scraporasagifttoacharity.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwillthiscourseofactionachieveany
desiredoutcome?
•isanypotentialfinancialvaluebeingrealised?
•publicreactiontothedecision.
Stepstotake:
•selectthemethodofrecycling;ifnecessary
seekexpertadvice
•ensuremethodofrecyclingdoesnotposea
risktostafforthepublic
•ensuretransferoflegaltitletoreceivingbody
•ensuretransparencyandcommunicate
theprocess
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
Destructionofitem
Thedestructionofitemsshouldonlytakeplace
ifanitemposesarisktothehealthandsafety
ofindividualsorthecollection.
Thingstoconsider:
•howwouldthedestructionoftheitemhelp
toachievethedesiredoutcome?
•healthandsafety:doesthemuseumhave
theexpertisetodestroytheitemsafelyor
isanotheragencybetterabletoundertake
thiscourseofaction?
•publicreactiontothedecision.
Stepstotake:
•selectthemethodofdestruction;ifnecessary
seekexpertadvice(forexample,fromthe
HealthandSafetyExecutive)
•ensuremethodofdestructiondoes
notposearisktostafforthepublic
•ensurethatdestructiontakesplace
•documenttheitemandtheprocess.
19 disposaltoolkit
Methodsof
disposal
Footnote
6.Formoreinformationaboutexportcontrols
seewww.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/
supporting-museums/cultural-property/
export-controls/reviewing-committee/
20 disposaltoolkit
Methodsof
disposal
Methodsofsale
Whenidentifyingamethodofsaleitis
importanttoconsidertherequirementfor
opennessandtransparencyandtheneed
toavoidanyconflictsofinterest.Toensure
transparencyitisrecommendedthatwhere
appropriate,museumssellitemsatpublic
auction.Museumstaffandmembersofthe
governingbodymustnotbeallowedto
purchaseitemsbeingdisposedofbytheir
museum.Itisalsobestpracticethatmuseum
staffdonotacquirematerialfromother
museums.ForfurtheradviceseeAppendix4.
Directsaletomuseum/publicinstitution
Museumsshouldseekaspecialistindependent
valuation.Itisrecommendedthatthe
purchasersalsoobtaintheirownindependent
valuation.Amuseummaydecidetosellat
belowthemarketvaluetoensureacquisition
byanothermuseum.
Saleontheopenmarket
Ifitemsarenotbeingsolddirectlytoa
museumorbodywithinthepublicdomainit
isrecommendedthattheyaresoldatpublic
auction.Thisensuresthatthereisopenness
andtransparency.Considerationshouldbe
giventothetimingofthesale,itslocation
andchoiceofauctioneer.
Saleonline
Museumsmayconsidersellingitemsthrough
anonlineauction.
Saletoaprivateindividual
Museumsmustconsidertheneedfor
transparencyandopenness;saletoaprivate
individual(inthefirstinstance)maytherefore
notbeappropriate.Howevertheremaybe
circumstances,forexamplewhenaprivate
individualiswillingtoacceptconditionsofsale
suchasprovidingpublicaccessandagreeingto
loantomuseums,whensaletoanindividual
maybeappropriate.Carefulconsideration
shouldbegiventothiscourseofaction.
Useofproceedsfromdisposal:
Ifmoneyisgeneratedthroughthedisposalof
anitem,itshouldbeappliedsolelyanddirectly
forthebenefitofthemuseum’scollection.
Anymoneyraisedmustberestrictedtothe
long-termsustainability,useanddevelopment
ofthecollection.Fundsmustnotbeusedasa
sourceofrevenue.Theuseofmoneywillbe
monitoredthroughtheAccreditationScheme.
Ifindoubtabouttheproposeduseofsuch
restrictedfundsconsulttheMAorother
sectorbodies.
Museumsmust
considertheneed
fortransparency
andopenness.
21 disposaltoolkit
5R
ecordingthe
process
22 disposaltoolkit
Recordingthe
process
Itisimportantthatall
aspectsofthedisposal
processaredocumented;
thisshouldbedoneto
SPECTRUMstandards.
Anyrecordsshouldinclude:
•reasonsfordisposal
•desiredoutcome
•opinionsandadviceconsidered
•methodofdisposal
•conclusionofprocess:retention,transfer,
saleetc.
•anyconditionsattached
•informationrelatingtotheitemand
photographs
•documentationrelatingtotransferoftitle
•noteofanynewlocation.
23 disposaltoolkit
6D
ealing
with
prob
lems
Lackofdocumentation
relatingtoanitem
Alackofcomprehensivedocumentationshould
notautomaticallypromptanitem’sdisposal,but
neithershoulditdiscountanitemfrombeing
considered.Insuchcases,museumsshould
makereasonableattemptstoresearchan
item’shistoryandthenweighuptheriskof
removingtheitemfromthecollectionwithany
potentialbenefitthatmayresultfromthis
courseofaction.Articulatingthedesired
outcomewillassistindoingthis.
Anyriskassessmentmustconsiderthe
possibilitythatthemuseumdoesnothavelegal
titletotheiteminquestion.Ifthisisthecase
andthemuseumproceedswiththedisposal,
anynewrecipientmustbeinformed.
(SeeCollectionsTrustfactsheet:Disposing
ofobjectsyoumaynotown)
Unabletofindanysuitable
newlocationfortheitem?
Thereisastrongpossibilitythatyoumaynot
beabletofindanothermuseumorbodyinthe
widerpublicdomainabletotakematerialyou
wishtodisposeof.Thismaybeparticularlytrue
ofduplicateitemsoritemsthatarecommon
tonumerouscollections.Ifthisisthecaseyou
maywishtoconsiderthefollowingcourses
ofaction:
•reconsiderthedecisiontodisposeoftheitem
•dependingonthesignificanceoftheitem,
considerretainingitandreconsiderpossible
alternativeuses
•considerwhetherthedesiredoutcomecould
beachievedthroughanothermethodof
disposal
•consideralternativeoptions(bearinginmind
theproposedoutcome)
-long-termloans
-sale(atauction)
-recycling
-destruction
-retentionofitem.
24 disposaltoolkit
Dealingwith
problems
Conflictsofinterest
Asinotherareasofmuseumwork,thereis
potentialforconflictsofinterestanditis
importantthattheyareavoidedtoprotect
thereputationofmuseumsandtheir
workforce.Ensuretransparencyand
documenttheprocess.
Conflictscanbeavoidedwhen:
•theworkforce,membersofthegoverning
bodyorthosecloselyassociatedwiththe
museumareinvitedtoexpressaconflict
ofinterest
•theworkforce,membersofthegoverning
bodyorthosecloselyassociatedwiththe
museumdonotreceivedirectbenefit,
financialorother,fromadecisiontodispose
•theworkforce,membersofthegoverning
bodyorthosecloselyassociatedwiththe
museumarenotgiven,orallowedtopurchase,
itemsbeingdisposedof.
25 disposaltoolkit
7C
ommunicating
the
process
26 disposaltoolkit
Communicating
theprocess
Aswithallareasofmuseum
practiceitisimportant
thatmuseumsensure
transparencyandopenness
withthepublic,their
colleaguesandstakeholders.
Itisimportanttokeepthepublicinformed
ofplansrelatingtothedisposalofitems
throughpressandmedia.Goodproactive
communicationcandomuchtoincrease
thepublic’sunderstandingandawareness
ofthisareaofmuseumpractice.
Museumsshouldadoptanopenandhonest
approachthatexplainsthecontextand
potentialbenefitoftheplannedcourseof
action.Itisimportanttosetoutpubliclythe
museum’soverallpolicyondisposalagainst
whichindividualcasescanbeexplained.
Thelevel,approachandtimingofany
communicationwilldependonthenatureof
theitemsbeingdisposedof.Whenconsidering
communication,beclearaboutitspurpose.
Isittoprovideinformation,engagepeople
inconsultationorseekviews?
Thewholeworkforce,includingthosenot
directlyinvolvedinthedisposalprocess,
shouldbeinformedaboutpotentialdisposals,
thereasonsbehindanydecisionsandany
proposedcourseofaction.Thiswillhelpto
ensurethattheprocessiscommunicated
accuratelytothoseoutsidethemuseum.
Museumsshouldalsoconsiderways
ofcommunicatinginformationtokey
stakeholderssuchasFriendsofthe
museumandregularvisitors.Thiscould
includebriefingspostedonmuseum
websitesandinnewsletters.
Goodproactive
communication
candomuchto
increasethepublic’s
understanding
andawareness
ofthisareaof
museumpractice.
27 disposaltoolkit
AccreditationAssessing
Organisation:anorganisationthat
assessesmuseumsforAccreditation.
InEngland,IsleofManandChannel
IslandsthisisdonebyArtsCouncil
England,inWalesbyCyMAL:
MuseumsArchivesandLibraries
Wales(adivisionoftheWelsh
Government),inScotlandby
MuseumsGalleriesScotland,andin
NorthernIrelandbyNorthernIreland
MuseumsCouncil
Accreditedmuseum:amuseum
thatmeetstherequirementsof
theAccreditationScheme.
Collectionsdevelopmentpolicy:
(previouslynamedtheacquisition
anddisposalpolicy)arequirement
ofAccreditation.Itsetsoutthe
principlesthatmuseumsshoulduse
withinaframeworkforresponsible
andethicalacquisitionanddisposal
ofitems.Thepolicyappliesto
materialownedandaccessioned
intothecollectionandanyfuture
plansforcollecting.
Compliancereport:(onlyrelevant
tomuseumsconsideringafinancially
motivateddisposal).Thisreport
shouldbesubmittedtotheMAand
theAAOsettingouthowamuseum’s
proposedfinanciallymotivated
disposalmeetstherequirementsof
theCodeofEthicsandAccreditation.
Thisreportwilldrawoninformation
collectedaspartofputtingtogether
theprocessreviewreport.
Corecollection:collectionsthat
arerelevanttothepurposeofthe
museumarecore.Inmanycasesthe
museum’sentirecollectionsmay
becore.Definingamuseum’score
collectionshouldtakeinto
consideration:
•thestatementofpurposeofthe
museumandthethemesand
prioritiesforfuturecollecting
anddisposal
•thehistoriclegacyofcollecting.
Curatoriallymotivateddisposal:
thisisundertakenaspartofthe
overallprocessofresponsible
collectionsmanagement.
Disposal:thepermanentremoval
ofanitemfromamuseumcollection.
FinalReport:(onlyrelevantto
museumsconsideringfinancially
motivateddisposal)Onceafinancially
motivatedsalehastakenplacea
museummustprovidetheMAand
relevantAAOwithafinalreport
detailingthemethodofsale,thesale
priceanddetailsofhowmoneyraised
fromthesalewillbeallocated.
Financiallymotivateddisposal:
saleofcollectionswhereaprimary
reasonfordisposalistoraisefunds.
Firstcontactform:(onlyrelevant
tomuseumsconsideringafinancially
motivateddisposal).Thisdocument
shouldbecompletedandsubmitted
totheMAandAAOsatthestartof
theprocess,onceanin-principle
decisiontodisposethroughsale
hasbeenagreedbyamuseum’s
governingbody.Theinformation
containedinthisreportwillallow
thetwoorganisationstomakea
judgementonwhetherthesaleis:
a)curatoriallymotivated,andmeets
therequirementsoftheCodeof
EthicsandAccreditationandthe
salecanproceed;orb)financially
motivatedandwillrequirethe
museumtoundertakefurther
actionsbeforeadecisioninrelation
tothecompliancewiththeCodeof
EthicsorAccreditationcanbemade.
Governingbody:thisisthe
organisationwhichnormallyowns
thecollections.Ifanotherlegally
separateorganisationorauthorised
individualhasbeengivenpowersto
acquireand/ordisposeofcollections
onbehalfofthegoverningbody,
thismustbemadeclear.
Handlingcollection:itemsthatare
usedforeducationpurposesandare
suitabletobehandledbythepublic.
Theseitemsmayoftenbeduplicates
orreplicas.
Processreviewreport:(only
relevanttomuseumsconsideringa
financiallymotivateddisposal).This
reportshouldcontainallthekey
information,evidenceanddecision-
makingthatrelatetoaproposed
financiallymotivatedsalefroma
museumcollection.Thisdocument
shouldbeusedfromthestartofthe
processofconsideringafinancially
motivateddisposalandshouldbe
continuallyupdatedthroughout
theprocessaskeydecisionsare
made,researchisundertaken,and
adviceandviewsaresought.The
informationcollectedaspartofthe
processreviewreportwillinform
thecompliancereport.
Publicandsociety:theword‘public’
isusedintheCodeofEthicsintwo
sensesthatinterconnect.Theideaof
societyhavingalegitimateinterest
inmuseumsandtheiractivitiesisan
underpinningvalueofthecode.Itis
reflectedintheuseoftheword
‘public’intermssuchaspublic
domain,publicservice,publictrust
andpublicinterest.Thewordpublicis
alsousedtocharacterisethosewho
areusersofthemuseum.(Taken
fromtheMACodeofEthicsfor
Museums)
Publicbenefit:anybenefitderived
fromanactivitythatisavailableto
thepublic,orasufficientsectionof
thepublic,andnotforthebenefitof
theindividual.
Publicdomain:initsbroadestsense,
andinrelationtotheremovaland
relocatingofmuseumobjects,the
publicdomainisintendedtoreferto
alocationwherereasonablepublic
accesscanbeachieved.Thisislikely
torefertopublicsectororpublicly-
fundedbodiesorthosewith
charitablestatusthatholditems
intrustforthepublicandnotas
privateproperty.
Setdressing:itemsthatarenotpart
oftheaccessionedcollection,but
areownedandusedbyamuseumto
enhanceexhibitionsanddisplaysor
forillustrativepurposes.
Sleeper:anitemonsale(usuallyat
auction)thatisanimportantworkof
artorasignificantobjectbuthasnot
beenrecognisedassuch.
Users:individualsandgroupswith
whomtheindividualmuseumis
activelyengaged,tomutualbenefit.
Thatsenseofthepublicservedby
amuseumwillbereflectedinthe
individualmuseum’smissionand
aims,whichshoulddefineitstarget
audiences.Theymayincludepast,
currentandpotentialusersofthe
servicesprovidedbythemuseum.
(TakenfromtheMACodeofEthics
forMuseums)
Workforce:anypersonworkingfor
amuseum,eitherasapaidemployee
oravolunteer.
Glossary
28 disposaltoolkit
Resources
AccreditationStandard
TheAccreditationSchemesets
nationallyagreedstandardsfor
museumsintheUK.Thereare
currentlyjustunder1,800museums
participatinginthescheme,
demonstratingtheircommitmentto
managingcollectionseffectivelyfor
theenjoymentandbenefitofusers.
Thestandardisavailableonlineat:
www.artscouncil.org.uk
Collectionsdevelopmentpolicy
Thecollectionsdevelopmentpolicy
(previouslyknownasanacquisition
anddisposalpolicy)setsoutthe
principlesthatmuseumsshoulduse
withinaframeworkforresponsible
andethicalacquisitionanddisposal
ofcollections.Itisarequirementof
theAccreditationScheme.
CodeofEthicsforMuseums
DevelopedbytheMAEthics
CommitteeandvotedforbyMA
members,theCodeofEthicsdefines
currentconsensusovertheprinciples
thatguidemuseumpractice.Itis
availableonlineat:
www.museumsassociation.org/
ethics/code-of-ethics
MAadviceonsale
TheMAhaspublishedselected
adviceonproposalsforfinancially
motivateddisposal.Itisavailable
onlineat:
www.museumsassociation.org/
collections/sale-of-collections
MAEthicalGuidanceon
Acquisitions
TheMAhaspublishedguidance
ontheethicsandpracticalitiesof
acquisition.Itisavailableonlineat:
www.museumsassociation.org/
download?id=11114
CollectionsTrustfactsheet:
Disposingofobjectsyoumay
notown
TheCollectionsTrusthasproduced
afactsheetthatprovidesadviceand
guidanceondisposingofobjectsthat
museummaynotown.Itisavailable
onlineat:
www.collectionslink.org.uk/discover/
manage-information/610-disposing-
of-objects-you-may-not-own
HMGovernmentCodeofPractice
onConsultation
Thecodethatsetsoutwhatpeople
canexpectfromthegovernment
whenitrunsformal,written
consultationexercisesonmatters
ofpolicyorpolicyimplementation.
Itisavailableonlineat:
www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47158.pdf
GoodGovernance:ACodeforthe
VoluntaryandCommunitySector
Thecodewascreatedbythe
AssociationofChiefExecutive
Officers(ACEVO),CharityTrustee
Networks(CTN),theInstituteof
CharteredSecretariesand
Administrators(ICSA)andthe
NationalCouncilforVoluntary
Organisations(NCVO).Itisavailable
onlineat:
www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
Charity_requirements_guidance/
Charity_governance/Good_
governance/governancecode.aspx
SPECTRUM:theUKMuseum
CollectionsManagement
Standard
TheSPECTRUMstandardis
usedbymuseumstoimprovethe
management,sustainabilityanduse
oftheircollections.Itisavailable
onlineat:
www.collectionslink.org.uk/
programmes/spectrum
Relatedorganisations
Accreditation
Assessing
Organisations(AAOs):
ArtsCouncilEngland
www.artscouncil.org.uk
CyMAL:Museums,Archives
andLibrariesWales,adivision
oftheWelshGovernment
www.cymal.wales.gov.uk
MuseumsGalleriesScotland
www.museumsgalleriesscotland.
org.uk
NorthernIrelandMuseums
Council
www.nimc.co.uk
Otherrelevant
organisations
CharityCommission
www.charitycommission.gov.uk
CollectionsTrust
www.collectionstrust.org.uk
MuseumsAssociation
www.museumsassociation.org
OfficeofScottishCharity
Regulator
www.oscr.org.uk
Appendix1
29 disposaltoolkit
AdditionalGuidancefromtheCharityCommission
Museumsthatare
charitiesand
charitableexhibits
andcollections
1.Museumsandgalleriesthat
arecharities:
Therearemuseumsandartgalleries
thatarecharitiesandholdoneor
moreexhibitsandcollections.The
mainpurposesforwhichtheyhold
theirpropertywillbethepromotion
ofartand/ortheadvancementof
education.Forguidanceonwhether
thepurposesofamuseumare
charitable,see:
www.charitycommission.gov.uk/
media/95113/rr10text.pdf
Ineachcasethecharitytrustees
needtoknowandfollowthetrusts,
directionsandconditionssubject
towhichtheyholdthecollection
orexhibit.Charitytrusteeshave
overridingdutiestoactreasonably
andintheinterestsofthecharity;
seetheCharityCommission’s
guidance:TheEssentialTrustee:
www.charitycommission.gov.uk/
Publications/cc3.aspx
2.Museumsandgalleriesthat
arenotcharities:
Museumsandartgalleriesmay
belongtootherbodiesthatare
notcharities,e.g.localauthorities.
However,suchinstitutionsoften
holdcharitableexhibitsand
collectionsthathavebeenacquired
inthepastwiththeintentionthat
theybeheldseparatelyontrustfor
thecharitablepurposeofpromoting
artoradvancingeducation.
3.Collection-holdingcharities
thatarenotmuseumsorgalleries:
Therearecharities,havingother
objectsthanthepromotionofart,
whichholdsignificantworksofart.
Examplesincludehospitalsand
collegesofeducation.These
charitieswillonlybeabletofollow
thetoolkitinalimitedwayunlessthe
worksareheldonaspecialtrustfor
thepromotionofart,becausethe
worksareheldtofurthertheobjects
ofthehospital,collegeorother
non-artcharity,asthecasemaybe.
4.Restrictionsondisposal:
Iftheexhibitorcollectioninquestion
hasbeengiveninperpetuityand
thereisnopowertodispose,the
charitytrusteeswillneedtotake
advicefromtheCharityCommission;
thecommissionwillenablethemto
disposeofthework(s)ifthiswouldbe
intheinterestsofthecharity.Orthe
trusteesmaywanttolendanexhibit
orcollectiontoanotherbodyfor
publicdisplaybut,withoutauthority
fromthecourtorthecommission,
theycannotifthereisaprohibitionin
thetrusts.Ifthereisnothingtostop
themlending,thecharitytrustees
maydosoiftheyarefurtheringthe
objectsofthecharity.
5.Giftsofexhibitsandcollectionsare
oftengivenontermsthattheyareto
beheldpermanently,butnotalways.
Insomecasesthecharitytrustees
havenoexpresspowerofdisposal
andinotherstheyhave.Wherethere
isnoexpresspowerofdisposalthe
charitytrusteesshouldseekadvice.
Wherecharitytrusteesdisposeof
exhibitsandcollections,theymust
dealwiththeproceedsasdirectedin
thetrusts;suchdirectionswillusually
betoreplaceitemsorinvestand
spendtheincomeonly,butmay
includethepowertospendthe
proceedsonconservationandrepair
oftheremainingexhibitsand
collections.
6.Returnofitemstodonors:
Wheretheyhaveacceptedan
unconditionalgift,charitytrustees
cannotreturnitemstodonorsunless
thisisinthecharity’sinterests.If
thereisastrongmoralobligation
andtheitemhasalowculturalvalue,
thetrusteesshouldasktheCharity
Commissionforadvice.
7.Saleatlessthanmarketprice
Charitytrusteesmustcomplywith
charitylawandotherlawsthatapply
totheircharity.Subjecttothese
trusts,powersandduties,trustees
havediscretion:
•toacceptorrefuseadonation
(ofmoneyorproperty)
•todisposeofpropertythatisno
longerrequiredforthepurposes
ofthecharity:
-atfullvalue,or
-atlessthanfullvalueifthis
furthersthecharity’spurposes
orisotherwiseinitsinterests.
8.	 Governanceissues
Ifacharitytrusteeorapersonor
organisationconnectedwiththem
wishedtoacquireitemondisposalfor
thebenefitofanotherorganisation,
thecommissionwouldexpectthe
othertrusteestoensurethatthe
bestreturnreasonablyobtainable
fortheircharitywassecured.Atthe
least,theacquiringtrusteeshould
beexcludedfromtheirdiscussions,
decision-makingandallother
actiontakentomanagetheconflict
ofinterest.
9.	 Returnofcollections
Withregardtothereturnof
culturalpropertyorotherexhibits
orcollectionsbelongingtoa
charityraisingissuesofrestitution,
repatriationorspoliation,theCharity
Commissionsetoutitsviewsina
memorandumtoParliament’sSelect
CommitteeonCulture,Mediaand
SportinApril2000andacopyof
thiscanbefoundonlineat:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/
cm199900/cmselect/
cmcumeds/371/371ap50.htm
Muchofthisadviceisbasedupon
guidanceprovidedbytheCharity
Commissionin2008.Advicemay
changeovertimeandconsequently
itisadvisabletorefertothe
commission’swebsite:
www.charitycommission.gov.uk
Appendix2
30 disposaltoolkit
Sixprinciplesofgood
governanceassetout
inGoodGovernance:A
CodefortheVoluntary
andCommunity
Sector.7
Themembersofthegoverning
bodyareexpectedto:
•understandtheirrole,theirlegal
duties,andtheirresponsibilities
asstewardsofculturalitems
•ensurethatthepurposesofthe
museumarecarriedoutandthat
themuseumactsinthelong-term
publicinterest
•workeffectivelybothasindividuals
andasateam
•exerciseeffectivecontrolsothat
legalandethicalrequirementsare
compliedwith
•behavewithintegrity,maintaining
independenceindecision-making,
andidentifyingandmanagingany
conflictsofinterest
•beopenandaccountable:members
mustpromoteandprotectthe
reputationofthemuseumand
mustengageinaconsultation
processwithstakeholders,
reflectingupontheinformation
andadvicereceived.
Inadditiontodisclosinganyconflicts
ofinterest,themembersofthe
governingbodymusttakecarein
relationtodecision-making:they
mustauthoriseaconsultation
processwithstakeholders,andmust
reflectupontheinformationand
advicereceivedinrelationtoa
prospectivesale.
Appendix3
Footnotes
7GoodGovernance:
ACodefortheVoluntaryand
CommunitySector
	ThecodewascreatedbytheAssociation
ofChiefExecutiveOfficers(ACEVO),Charity
TrusteeNetworks(CTN),theInstituteof
CharteredSecretariesandAdministrators
(ICSA)andtheNationalCouncilforVoluntary
Organisations(NCVO).Itisavailableonlineat:
www.governancecode.org/
31 disposaltoolkit
Initialsteps:
•determinethedesirabilityof
undertakingafullreviewofthe
collection
•developaprojectplanandallocate
resourcestomanagetheprocess
•createanassessmentframework
toassistinevaluatingitemswithin
thecollectionandtheirsubsequent
suitabilityfordisposal
•securethegoverningbody’s
agreementtothepotentialdisposal
ofitems
•ensurecollectiondocumentation
isascompleteaspossible.
Makingthedecision
todispose:
•makedecisionstodisposeaspartof
anoverallcollectionsmanagement
strategyandinlightofacollections
developmentpolicy,preferablyas
partofareviewofthecollection
•articulatethedesiredoutcomeof
thedisposal
•articulatethecuratorialreasons
behindtheproposeddisposalwith
referencetoyourcollections
developmentpolicy
•seekspecialistadviceifnecessary
•considertheviewsofdonorsand
stakeholders
•considerthepublicreaction,and
developacommunicationsstrategy
•establishwhethertheitemwas
purchasedorconservedwiththe
aidofexternalfundingbodies;ifso,
seekviewsfromappropriatebodies
•ensurethemuseumislegallyable
toremovetheitem
•recommendamethodofdisposal
thatislikelytoachievethedesired
outcome.
Thingsto
consider:
•whatisthedesiredoutcome?
•ifsuccessful,howwillthemethod
ofdisposalhelptoachievethe
desiredoutcome?
•whatarethebenefitsofthiscourse
ofaction:tothecare,useand
contextoftheitem;tothemuseum
anditscollection;tothebroader
museumcommunity;andto
people’suseandenjoymentof
museumcollections?
•whatisthepotentialforincreased
useoftheitemthroughthe
proposedcourseofaction?(There
maybenoneinthecaseofitems
beingrecycledordestroyed)
•istheproposedrecipientableto
provideadequatecareand
opportunitiesforaccess?
•whatmightthepublicreactionbe
totheproposedcourseofaction?
•whatarethepotentialrisksin
theproposedcourseofaction?
Oncethedecisionhas
beenmade:
•identifypotentialAccredited
museumrecipients,approach
directly
•placeanoticeontheMA’sFindan
Objectweblistingservice,in
MuseumsJournalandother
specialistpublicationsand
websites.Allowatleasttwo
monthsforaresponse
•ifappropriate,informthedonor
•ifanewlocationcanbefound,
agreetermsandconditionsof
transfer(orsale)
•ensuretransparencyand
communicatethedisposalto
thepublic
•ensuretransferoflegaltitleto
therecipient
•documenttheprocess.
Whattodoifattempt
todisposeis
unsuccessful:
•reconsiderthedecisiontodispose
•considerpossiblealternativeuses
withinthemuseumfortheobject(s)
•considerwhetherthedesired
outcomecouldbeachievedthrough
anothermethodofdisposal
(transfertowiderpublicdomain/
outsidepublicdomain)
•consideralternativeoptions
(bearinginmindproposed
outcome):
-long-termloan
-sale(atpublicauction)
-recycling
-destruction
-retentionofitem.
Checklistforalldisposals:

Más contenido relacionado

Más de Association of Independent Museums

Successful collection care Association of Independent Museums
Successful collection care   Association of Independent Museums Successful collection care   Association of Independent Museums
Successful collection care Association of Independent Museums Association of Independent Museums
 
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/Association of Independent Museums
 

Más de Association of Independent Museums (20)

Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Mid summer 2015
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Mid summer 2015Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Mid summer 2015
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Mid summer 2015
 
Castle Bromwich Hall GardensSpring 2015
Castle Bromwich Hall GardensSpring 2015Castle Bromwich Hall GardensSpring 2015
Castle Bromwich Hall GardensSpring 2015
 
Successful collection care Association of Independent Museums
Successful collection care   Association of Independent Museums Successful collection care   Association of Independent Museums
Successful collection care Association of Independent Museums
 
Donation box quick guide
Donation box quick guideDonation box quick guide
Donation box quick guide
 
Worcestershire 2
Worcestershire 2Worcestershire 2
Worcestershire 2
 
Staffordshire2
Staffordshire2 Staffordshire2
Staffordshire2
 
Shropshire 2
Shropshire 2Shropshire 2
Shropshire 2
 
Warwickshire 2
Warwickshire 2Warwickshire 2
Warwickshire 2
 
Herefordshire 2
Herefordshire 2Herefordshire 2
Herefordshire 2
 
Birmingham 2
Birmingham 2Birmingham 2
Birmingham 2
 
> West midlands
> West midlands> West midlands
> West midlands
 
AIM: Successful social media
AIM: Successful social mediaAIM: Successful social media
AIM: Successful social media
 
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/
Successful busines planning http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/content/success_guides/
 
Success guide to negotiating business rates
Success guide to negotiating business ratesSuccess guide to negotiating business rates
Success guide to negotiating business rates
 
Acwm film and digital arts project for mhl intro (1)
Acwm film and digital arts project for mhl intro (1)Acwm film and digital arts project for mhl intro (1)
Acwm film and digital arts project for mhl intro (1)
 
Seminar programme public
Seminar programme publicSeminar programme public
Seminar programme public
 
Wideangle wm mdo annual report 2013
Wideangle wm mdo annual report 2013Wideangle wm mdo annual report 2013
Wideangle wm mdo annual report 2013
 
Green museum knowledge cafe 2
Green museum knowledge cafe 2Green museum knowledge cafe 2
Green museum knowledge cafe 2
 
10 golden rules of good governance
10 golden rules of good governance10 golden rules of good governance
10 golden rules of good governance
 
Marches Network MDO annual report 2012-13
Marches Network MDO annual report 2012-13Marches Network MDO annual report 2012-13
Marches Network MDO annual report 2012-13
 

Último

Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeThiyagu K
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesFatimaKhan178732
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingTechSoup
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsTechSoup
 
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAPM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAssociation for Project Management
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13Steve Thomason
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docxPoojaSen20
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Krashi Coaching
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionSafetyChain Software
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)eniolaolutunde
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactPECB
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxiammrhaywood
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdfQucHHunhnh
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxGaneshChakor2
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxSayali Powar
 
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy ReformA Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy ReformChameera Dedduwage
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...fonyou31
 

Último (20)

Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAPM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docx
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptxINDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
 
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy ReformA Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
 

Disposal toolkit