Accessioning & Deaccessioning : Collecting & Disposing of artifacts A museum is distinguished by a collection of often unique objects that forms the core of its activities for exhibitions, education, research, etc. This differentiates it from an archive or library , where the contents may be more paper-based, some objects, but less exhibition oriented. Museums need to have a process to accession artifacts, record those artifacts into their ledgers, find, in a timely manner, both the artifact under its care and the paperwork attached to that artifact, and deaccession artifacts when no longer required. A good tracking system that is simple and easy to use, in conjunction with a good museum collections policy, will help you do that. Each museum may have slightly different means to control its property but the basics must be there to control, protect, preserve, track and use a collection wisely. Mu...
