Museums are trusted by the public to look after collections for them and for future generations and it is important to maintain this trust. In disposals this can be done by having a transparent process and opening up debate about what should be kept. No one expects museums to collect in perpetuum and never dispose of anything amassing greater and greater stores packed to the rafters.
Consider who the stakeholders are when it comes to collections reviews and disposals and engage with them to show that you are undertaking the work thoughtfully and ethically. You might want to consider the following internal stakeholders to engage with in the process of undertaking reviews and disposals:
- Museum workforce
- Governing body
- Friends groups and volunteers
- Regular visitors