Deaccessioning
Deaccessioning is the formal process of removing items from a museum's permanent collection. It's like spring cleaning for museums, but with strict rules and procedures. When museums decide certain items no longer fit their mission, are duplicates, or are too damaged to display, they go through this careful removal process. This can involve selling, donating, or transferring items to other institutions. It's an important skill in museum work because it helps keep collections relevant and manageable while following ethical and legal guidelines.
Examples in Resumes
Managed deaccessioning of over 200 artifacts following AAM guidelines
Led deaccessioning committee and documented process for removal of duplicate collections
Coordinated deaccessioning procedures between multiple departments and arranged transfers to partner institutions
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 handle a controversial deaccessioning case involving a valuable artifact?
Expected Answer: A senior curator should discuss balancing institutional needs with public trust, demonstrating knowledge of ethical guidelines, legal requirements, and stakeholder management. They should mention documentation, transparency, and communication strategies.
Q: Describe how you would develop a deaccessioning policy for a museum.
Expected Answer: Should explain creating comprehensive guidelines that align with industry standards, including criteria for selection, approval processes, documentation requirements, and methods of disposal while ensuring ethical compliance and transparency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating items for deaccessioning?
Expected Answer: Should mention relevance to museum mission, condition assessment, duplicate status, ownership/legal status, historical significance, and potential controversy of removal.
Q: How do you document a deaccessioning process?
Expected Answer: Should describe recording condition reports, photographing items, maintaining removal paperwork, tracking approvals, and documenting final disposition of items.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is deaccessioning and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concept of removing items from collections, why museums do it, and mention that it follows specific procedures and guidelines.
Q: What are the main steps in a deaccessioning process?
Expected Answer: Should outline basic steps: identification of items, evaluation, getting approval, documentation, and proper disposal or transfer of items.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of collection management
- Knowledge of museum database systems
- Ability to follow deaccessioning procedures
- Basic documentation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing deaccessioning projects
- Evaluating items for removal
- Coordinating with other departments
- Understanding legal and ethical guidelines
Senior (5+ years)
- Developing deaccessioning policies
- Managing controversial cases
- Training staff on procedures
- Strategic collection planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of museum ethics guidelines
- Lack of experience with collection management systems
- Poor documentation practices
- No understanding of legal requirements for artifact disposal
Related Terms
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