PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE MUSEUM INVENTORY
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Authors
Cohen, Sharon
Issue Date
1989
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine proper planning procedures for a successful comprehensive inventory of collections.
A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 500 museums in the United States to determine those that had undertaken a comprehensive inventory of collections and had created a written plan for inventory.
Telephone interviews with staff members at six museums were conducted. Those interviewed had indicated on the questionnaire that they were in the process of conducting a comprehensive inventory of collections or had completed one, had a collection of over 50,000 objects, and had a documented planning process.
From the results of the study recommendations are made to assist in the proper planning of comprehensive museum inventories. The recommendations are intended for museums with collections of over 50,000 objects, but can be adapted to smaller size institutions.