A guide to collections management. It addresses the key principles and strategies for looking after culturally significant objects and their associated information as well as the relevant laws and codes of ethics. It covers the information a collections manager needs to know, whatever the size and type of collection.

PART 1: COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: OVERVIEW AND PRINCIPLES1. What is collections management?Fundamentals Know what you have and where to find itA brief historyAn international perspective Summary References 2. Legal requirementsFundamentals Artists’ resale rightsCopyright Customs and excise CITES and cultural objectsCultural goods and taxation in the UKImmunity from seizure Summary References 3. Ethical considerationsFundamentals Deaccessioning and disposal Due diligenceProvenance Summary References 4. Practical aspects Fundamentals of collection care Risk management Insurance and indemnitySecurityEmergency response Summary References PART 2: COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: PROCESSES5. DocumentationFundamentals Policy Procedures Information systemsDocumentation plan CataloguingMarking and labelling Condition reportsInventories Retrospective documentationSummary References 6. MovementFundamentals Moving objects within a building HandlingPlanning and risk assessment for movesProcedures Equipment External movesPlanning and risk assessmentPacking for transport Transport DocumentationSummary References 7. StorageFundamentals Storage buildingsStorage systemsEnvironmental conditionsInventory Hazardous materialsIntegrated pest management (IPM)Summary References 8. Acquisitions Fundamentals Policy Legal and ethical requirementsContract Procedures Collections impact Catalogue informationProvenance Shared or co-owned works Fractional gifts Multiple copies, editioned works and e-media Commissions Unclaimed loans and unwanted gifts Summary References 9. LoansFundamentals Rights and responsibilities Loans policyDue diligence for loans Loans procedure Facilities reportConditions of loan ValuationsLoan agreementInsurance and indemnityLong-term loansCondition inspectionCouriersPacking and transportReturn Documentation for loans Summary References 10. Exhibitions and displaysFundamentals Due diligence policy for loans Installation In-house displaysLoans inExhibitions Insurance Travelling exhibitionsExhibition costsSummary References 11. AccessFundamentals Options for providing access Policy Risk assessment Study rooms Access to stores Virtual accessSummary References Bibliography