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 PRINCIPLES 1. What is collections management? Fundamentals Know what you have and where to find itA brief historyAn international perspective Summary References 2. Legal requirements Fundamentals Artists' resale rightsCopyright Customs and excise CITES and cultural objectsCultural goods and taxation in the UKImmunity from seizure Summary References 3. Ethical considerations Fundamentals 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: PROCESSES 5. Documentation Fundamentals Policy Procedures Information systemsDocumentation plan CataloguingMarking and labelling Condition reportsInventories Retrospective documentationSummary References 6. Movement Fundamentals Moving objects within a building HandlingPlanning and risk assessment for movesProcedures Equipment External movesPlanning and risk assessmentPacking for transport Transport DocumentationSummary References 7. Storage Fundamentals 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. Loans Fundamentals 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 displays Fundamentals Due diligence policy for loans Installation In-house displaysLoans inExhibitions Insurance Travelling exhibitionsExhibition costsSummary References 11. Access Fundamentals Options for providing access Policy Risk assessment Study rooms Access to stores Virtual accessSummary References Bibliography

"...an excellent up-to-date resource for collection managers and other people working and aspiring to work in the cultural heritage sector. It is a book that every museum should have in the office." -- Managing Information"This is an important and useful book. Our copy arrived yesterday and already I've found it useful! It's careful, comprehensive and above all, well-evidenced." -- Samuel J M M Alberti"This book brings together all the fundamentals of collections management in an easy-to-read, accessible format (or guide?) - an essential reference book for all museums." -- Diane Gwilt

Freda Matassa FRSA MA(Hons) DipAL DipEd is a wellknown UK expert on collections management who advises, teaches and lectures internationally. Former Head of Collections Management at the Tate Gallery and co-founder of the European Registrars Conference, she is expert adviser on several European projects for museum standards and to the Minister of Culture on immunity from seizure. She was recently named one of the Top 50 Women to Watch in the arts.