PROCEDURES FOR DE(CESSIONING IN FINE ARTS MUSEUMS IN THE UNITED STATES
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Authors
Capecci, Janice A.
Issue Date
1982
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
1. Theses (Museum Studies) 2. Museum registration methods. 3. Art museums.
Alternative Title
Abstract
The practice of deaccessioning is replete with ethical and practical dilemmas. Confusion surrounding the process is due, in part, to the fact that each museum approaches deaccessioning differently. Though many American art museums deaccession objects from their collections, no standard procedures exist.
This study reports the results of a survey sent to 400 fine art museums, and identifies common concerns with and approaches to the deaccessioning process. Responses showed that museums were concerned primarily with legitimizing the process, standardizing the procedures, and safeguarding the integrity of the institutions by making these procedures known to the public.
A comprehensive deaccessioning checklist was designed based upon analysis of the survey results to aid museums in formalizing their deaccessioning activities. The checklist is now available to American museums along with recommendations for implementation.