collecting and collecting institutions amcv1550. museums, libraries, and archives: store materials...
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Collecting and Collecting Institutions
AMCV1550
Museums, libraries, and archives:
Store materials that represent society’s intellectual and artistic essence and support the continuance of the traditions and memories of communities
Collections are the foundation of their work and key to their success and public mission
Decisions about collecting shape what is remembered and valued
Libraries and Museums in U.S.
4.8 billion artifacts collected at more than 30,000 repositories in the U.S.
Most of these collections are at libraries 93% of U.S. museums have permanent collections About 100 million objects at Smithsonian institutions –
mostly bugs and stamps 9/10ths counties have at least one museum 120,000+ libraries in U.S.
What is a Museum?
The AAM Code of Ethics for Museums notes that although museums are diverse, their common denominator is making a "unique contribution to the public by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the things of this world."
What is a Library?
"A library is a collection of resources in a variety of formats that is (1) organized by information professionals or other experts who (2) provide convenient physical, digital, bibliographic, or intellectual access and (3) offer targeted services and programs (4) with the mission of educating, informing, or entertaining a variety of audiences (5) and the goal of stimulating individual learning and advancing society as a whole." (Whole Library Handbook, p.2)
Libraries and the public
Libraries among the most trusted local public institutions – 45% give libraries an A for being well run, compared to parks (31%), healthcare (22%), public meeting places (21%), public schools (18%)
Libraries should do more to: Provide stronger services for teens Help address illiteracy and poor reading skills Provide ready access to info about govt services Provide even greater access to computers for all
(Public Agenda, “Long Overdue: A Fresh Outlook at Public Attitudes about Libraries in the 21st Century,” 2006)
Museums among the most trustworthy sources of information about the past (Rosenzweig and Thelen)
Attendance at art museums among few forms of arts participation on the rise (SSPA studies)
Libraries (57%) and museums (30%) considered the “most important cultural institution” in America (Ueland Junker McCauley and Nicholson study 2000)
Same study also showed that objects are considered “the most trustworthy source of objective information” (43% replied yes, as compared to: 18% considered books most trustworthy 9% considered newspapers most trustworthy 8% considered internet most trustworthy 6% considered radio, tv, or magazines most
trustworthy
Collection realities
Objects valued for their objectivity but collecting, organizing and interpreting are selective and subjective processes Collections reveal cultural and political
values/agendas (that change over time) And objects/collectors receive value through
connection with museums Collections care constrained by conditions
of museums (budget; facilities; staff)
Collecting AAM: as stewards of natural and cultural wealth,
museums entrusted to ensure: Collections support its mission and are held legally;
are documented and protected Disposal of collections only for advancement of its
mission; proceeds used only for acquisition or direct care of collections
Collections-related activities promote public good, not individual gain
Use and interpret objects and/or a site for the public presentation of regularly scheduled programs and exhibits
Collecting
ICOM: “museums have the duty to acquire, preserve and promote their collections as a contribution to safeguarding the natural, cultural and scientific heritage. Their collections are a significant public inheritance, have a special position in law and are protected by international legislation. Inherent in this public trust is the notion of stewardship that includes rightful ownership, permanence, documentation, accessibility and responsible disposal.”
OBJECTS
exhibits
ideas
programs
education
identity
research
Collecting plans
Set new priorities by asking: What do we already have? How will our
audience be best served? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current collection? Do we acquire more of what we have or go in new directions?
Important to consider – what makes for a good story?
What do museums do with objects?
Proof or example Illustration
Julia Child’s kitchen: “the exhibition features the actual kitchen, including the cabinets, appliances, cookbooks, kitchen table, and hundreds of utensils and gadgets. The exhibition gives visitors a peek into the working kitchen of one of the world’s best-known cooks, and explores how her influence as an author and host of several television series changed the way America cooks.”
To make an argument To create an atmosphere
To attract attention To illustrate
To tell a story
As a teaching tool As interactive device
For research: How it was made How it was used Examine craftmanship Ownership and
provenence
Attempting transparency
Open deaccession process – Indianapolis Art Museum
Communication with curators – U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Visible storage and behind-the-scene tours – Brooklyn Museum
Building community collections – Anacostia Museum; Massachusetts Memories Roadshow; NMAAHC
Ethical concerns
Who really owns? Can legal title be passed on? Can rights be conveyed?
Does acquisition violate laws about cultural property, endangered species, etc?
Are there donor restrictions that inhibit appropriate use?
Collecting challenges What’s worth saving? Who decides? Collecting objects or collecting stories? Practical concerns:
Can we afford it? Is object worthwhile? Consistent with collection goals? Can it be exhibited? Stored? Useful for research or education? Authentic? Will it be seen as a political or commercial
endorsement?