Collection Policy
A Collection Policy is a basic rulebook that museums and cultural institutions use to make decisions about what items they should acquire, keep, or remove from their collections. It's like a museum's shopping list and organizing guide combined - it helps staff decide what objects fit with the museum's goals and how to manage them. Similar terms include "Collection Development Policy," "Acquisition Policy," or "Collections Management Policy." This document is essential for museums because it keeps everyone on the same page about what belongs in the collection and why, helping avoid random or unfocused collecting.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and updated Collection Policy for the museum's Native American artifacts
Managed acquisitions according to institutional Collection Policy guidelines
Led committee to revise Collections Policy in line with current museum standards
Implemented new Collections Management Policy for handling delicate textiles
Typical job title: "Museum Curators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Museum Curators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you lead a major revision of a museum's collection policy?
Expected Answer: A senior curator should discuss involving stakeholders, analyzing current collection strengths and gaps, considering storage and conservation resources, and ensuring alignment with the museum's mission. They should mention experience with policy implementation and staff training.
Q: How do you balance competing priorities when making acquisition decisions?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of budget constraints, storage capacity, conservation needs, and exhibition potential while adhering to collection policy guidelines. Should mention experience with difficult decision-making and stakeholder management.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you handle deaccessioning decisions within collection policy guidelines?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of removing items from collections, including documentation requirements, ethical considerations, and proper disposal methods according to policy guidelines.
Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating potential acquisitions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss checking if items align with museum mission, authenticity verification, condition assessment, storage requirements, and whether they fill gaps in existing collections.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a collection policy?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it guides decisions about what objects to acquire, helps maintain focus in collecting, and ensures consistency in collections management.
Q: How do you document new acquisitions according to policy?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic acquisition procedures, including condition reporting, photographing, numbering systems, and database entry requirements.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of collection documentation
- Knowledge of handling and storage procedures
- Familiarity with collection management databases
- Understanding of basic preservation needs
Mid (2-5 years)
- Implementation of collection policies
- Experience with acquisition processes
- Knowledge of legal and ethical guidelines
- Ability to train others in collections procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development and revision
- Strategic collection planning
- Budget management for acquisitions
- Leadership in collection decisions
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic museum ethics
- Lack of experience with collection management systems
- Poor understanding of preservation needs
- No familiarity with museum standards and best practices
Related Terms
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