NEW PERSPECTIVES ON INTER-MUSEUM TRANSFER OF DEACCESSIONED OBJECTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DISPOSAL BY SALE
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Authors
DeFors, Douglas L.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to make the case that transfer disposal of deaccessioned objects deserves to be seriously considered and utilized by all types of museums with greater frequency than currently occurs. By performing inter-museum transfer as an alternative to sale, museums uphold the values of public service inherent in their missions.
In 1925 the American Association of Museums published its first "Code of Ethics" for the museum field. It described a preference for disposal of deaccessioned objects by transfer (exchange or sale) to other like institutions. Today, museum professional associations continue to advocate this method of perpetuating use of collections within the public domain. Evidence suggests some museums successfully practice transfer, but today's museums operate under increasing economic pressure to generate earned income. Leadership has come to expect even modest revenue from public sales that according to ethical codes must be put towards collections care. Yet, my research showed that the true "cost' of sales might also make transfer a logical choice economically. Given continued attention to deaccession in the press and within the profession, an examination of transfer disposal of deaccessioned objects as a viable option to sale merits further exploration.