Short answer

Integrate historical research into the development of deaccessioning policies and procedures for museum collections to build upon established practices and provide a stronger rationale for current decisions.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University) (2016)
Method: Historical research and case study analysis.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Examining historical approaches to deaccessioning in museums, particularly before the 1970s, reveals enduring principles that can guide contemporary collection management and disposal practices. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University). Using Historical research and case study analysis., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate historical research into the development of deaccessioning policies and procedures for museum collections to build upon established practices and provide a stronger rationale for current decisions.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Historical Disposal Practices Inform Modern Museum Deaccessioning Strategies

Examining historical approaches to deaccessioning in museums, particularly before the 1970s, reveals enduring principles that can guide contemporary collection management and disposal practices.

Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University) · 2016

Key Findings

01Deaccessioning and disposal were less controversial and more common in American museums before the 1970s.
02Museum professionals historically adapted disposal practices to their specific institutional needs and evolving norms, often without strict external mandates.
03The Passaic County Historical Society successfully implemented deaccessioning campaigns in the early 20th century by adapting existing disposal norms.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or advising on museum collection management systems, research historical approaches to deaccessioning to inform policy development and stakeholder communication.

Project actions

01When researching a design problem, consider its historical context and how similar issues were addressed in the past.
02Use historical case studies to support your design decisions and justify your approach.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate historical deaccessioning practices in American museums prior to the 1970s and extract lessons applicable to contemporary museum operations.

MethodHistorical research and case study analysis.

ProcedureThe research involved reviewing published literature on museum deaccessioning and disposal prior to the 1970s, and conducting a case study of deaccessioning campaigns at the Passaic County Historical Society from the early to mid-20th century.

ContextMuseum studies, collection management, historical preservation.

Variables

IVTime period (pre-1970s vs. post-1970s).

DVControversy and professional handling of deaccessioning and disposal.

CVMuseum size (small to mid-sized), type of institution (historical society).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a historical perspective that challenges the notion of deaccessioning as a purely modern issue.
+Uses a case study to illustrate historical practices in detail.

Limitations

The historical data might be incomplete or biased, and past practices may not be directly transferable to current ethical and legal frameworks.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the historical claims relies on the accuracy and completeness of the published literature and archival records. Reliability is enhanced by the case study approach, which provides specific evidence.

Think critically

To what extent are historical deaccessioning practices ethically and practically applicable to modern museums, given changes in public perception, legal frameworks, and collection values?

Design Principles

"Leverage historical precedent to inform contemporary design solutions for collection management."

Understanding the evolution of deaccessioning norms provides a valuable historical context for current debates and practices. This insight can help design professionals involved in museum planning or collection-based projects to develop more robust and defensible strategies for managing and potentially reducing collections.

What This Means for Your Design

Museums have been getting rid of items from their collections for a long time, even before it became a big debate. Looking at how they did it in the past can help museums today figure out how to do it better and explain why.

How to use in your project

1.Reference historical deaccessioning practices to demonstrate an understanding of the long-term context of collection management in your design project.
2.Use historical examples to justify the need for or the approach to deaccessioning in your proposed design solution.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The historical analysis of deaccessioning practices in museums, particularly before the 1970s, reveals a long tradition of collection management that adapted to evolving institutional needs and professional norms. This historical perspective, exemplified by institutions like the Passaic County Historical Society, offers valuable insights for contemporary design projects focused on collection management, providing a foundation for developing justifiable and ethically sound deaccessioning strategies.

Source

Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University)

Deaccessioning in Small Museums: A Historical View and Lessons from the Past

journal · 2016

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about historical disposal practices inform modern museum deaccessioning strategies?: Integrate historical research into the development of deaccessioning policies and procedures for museum collections to build upon established practices and provide a stronger rationale for current decisions. Evidence: Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University) (2016).
Why does "Historical Disposal Practices Inform Modern Museum Deaccessioning Strategies" matter for design?: Understanding the evolution of deaccessioning norms provides a valuable historical context for current debates and practices. This insight can help design professionals involved in museum planning or collection-based projects to develop more robust and defensible strategies for managing and potentially reducing collections.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate historical research into the development of deaccessioning policies and procedures for museum collections to build upon established practices and provide a stronger rationale for current decisions.
What were the main findings?: Deaccessioning and disposal were less controversial and more common in American museums before the 1970s.. Museum professionals historically adapted disposal practices to their specific institutional needs and evolving norms, often without strict external mandates.. The Passaic County Historical Society successfully implemented deaccessioning campaigns in the early 20th century by adapting existing disposal norms.
What research method was used?: Historical research and case study analysis..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or advising on museum collection management systems, research historical approaches to deaccessioning to inform policy development and stakeholder communication.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on American museums and may not fully represent international practices. The case study is of a single institution, limiting generalizability.