Deaccessioning Today: Theory and Practice

Deaccessioning Today: Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive international overview of deaccessioning, covering reasons for removing items from collections, processes, and recommended disposition procedures. It is essential for museum professionals, those responsible for museums, and the general public to understand the importance of collections and the complexities of deaccessioning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Deaccessioning, a complex and multifaceted process, has garnered significant attention in the world of museums. In his comprehensive book, Deaccessioning Today: Theory and Practice, author Steven Miller delves into the reasons behind the removal of items from collections, explores the global phenomenon of deaccessioning, and offers insightful recommendations for the appropriate disposition of these cultural treasures.

Collections, a defining feature of museums, hold immense value and significance. Museums are the sole custodians of physical evidence of the human and natural world, preserving it for generations to come. This unique responsibility requires a deep understanding and acceptance of the importance of collections, regardless of the specific operations of a museum. It becomes particularly crucial when considering the subtractive process of deaccessioning.

Deaccessioning encompasses a wide range of reasons, including ownership disputes, the unsuitability of conservation practices, redundancy, the presence of fakes and forgeries, the generation of income, safety concerns, and more. Miller provides in-depth coverage of these factors, shedding light on the complex decision-making processes involved in deaccessioning.

The book explores both museum-initiated and externally-initiated deaccessioning processes. It delves into the legal and ethical considerations that accompany these actions, ensuring that museums adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Disposition options, such as sale, gift, exchange, demotion, destruction, and return, are discussed in detail, providing museum professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the available choices.

Controversies surrounding deaccessioning have arisen. While some argue that it is necessary to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of collections, others raise concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage and the impact on museums' educational and research missions. Deaccessioning Today addresses these controversies, offering a balanced and objective perspective on the topic.

Written with a clear and accessible style, Deaccessioning Today is an invaluable resource for museum professionals, those who are responsible for museums (such as trustees, volunteers, elected officials, and donors), as well as the general public with an interest in how museums operate and why. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the deaccessioning process, offering practical insights and best practices for navigating this complex terrain.

In conclusion, Deaccessioning Today: Theory and Practice is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of museums. By exploring the reasons behind deaccessioning, the global phenomenon of deaccessioning, and the recommended disposition procedures, author Steven Miller offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on this critical issue. This book is a valuable resource for museum professionals, policymakers, and the broader public, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role and importance of collections in museums.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538112625