The strategy identifies the type of collections the institution is holding and highlights collecting priorities and limitations. Decisions should be based on the input of key members of staff and may even include external advisors. The collection policy will affect the activities the organisation conducts and should link with its overall business plan.
The document should describe the intellectual rationale of the collections, define the method of acquisition, i.e., purchase, bequest, donation, excavation, or acceptance in lieu, due diligence and include guidelines for disposal. There can be sensible reasons why a museum discards or transfers items from its collections, but it is essential that this is a transparent process. From time to time the policy should be reviewed to ensure the guiding principles are still appropriate.
Private collectors in contrast, can often act without constraints and are not accountable to the public or a board of trustees.
Image: Papilio, courtesy and ©Linnean Society and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy, 2021.
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