Message-Id: <30831C25-52A8-4F9F-B9A1-B3C393EC4980@acegroup.cc> From: Peggy Derrick <pderrick@acegroup.cc> Subject: Collections Policy Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:02:11 -0600
Dear Listserve members:
La Crosse County Historical Society is in the process of updating its
Collections Policy. I am struggling to decide what to recommend in
regard to approval of accessions and deaccessions, and I wonder if
some of you could share how you deal with this particular issue.
Our old policy states the Board of Directors must approve them, but
this has apparently not been the practice. I am aware that is the
recommended professional standard, but I'm having a hard time
understanding it. With my background as a public school board member,
I see it as a case of policy setters (Board of Directors) assuming
the role of policy implementers (Administration). Certainly it
invites micromanaging.
I would never advocate that the curator alone make these decisions.
In our institution layers of command over the curator would be the
advisory Collections Committee (volunteers, with one Board
representative), the Executive Director, the Executive Committee,
then the Board of Directors. I am leaning towards recommending that
the Executive Committee have final approval, as those Board members
are the most engaged and aware of what actually goes on in a museum.
I want us to get this right because LCHS is embarking on a cataloging/
survey project that will undoubtedly result in a fair amount of
deaccessioning. I know this needs to be a transparent process that
has the support of the entire institution, but at the same time I
have reservations about involving what has historically been a very
hands-off Board in the process.
So my question is: who at your institution approves accessions and
deaccessions, and how is that working for you? Would it be
unprofessional, or a big mistake, to recommend the Executive
Committee approve these decisions? It is likely that the Board will
approve whatever I and the Executive Director recommend.
Thanks for your advice and Happy Holidays.
Peggy Derrick, Curator
La Crosse County Historical Society
P.O. Box 1272
La Crosse WI 54602-1272
608-782-1980