I have an article in People and Science, the magazine for the British Science Association.
The piece is a head to head between Peter Davies – the Cultural Policy Advisor for Canterbury City Council – and myself, arguing for and against disposal of collections for financial purposes, in science museum collections. You can read it here.
The article is part of the publicity for a new book on disposal, that we have both contributed to, published by MuseumsEtc.
MUSEUMS AND THE DISPOSALS DEBATE
With collecting for perpetuity no longer necessarily the norm, and active disposals as much a part of collections management as accessioning, Museums and the Disposals Debate brings together international guidance, opinion, best practice and case studies in deaccessioning and disposal policies and practice.
How museums react to their changing role – from public collector to effective manager – and how they review the purpose and role of their collections, will shape the future of the museum sector. What are the issues in relation to disposals, and how can the benefits be weighed against the challenges and pitfalls?
This major book, over 600 pages, is a timely addition to current deaccessioning and disposals policies and programmes. Its intention is to be a valuable advocate, critical friend and information source for museum managers and collection specialists across the sector.
