Open Forum

Hi all, 

We are updating our collection procedures and I'm curious on access of collections. Do you allow security to perform a daily walk of your storage rooms or only in emergency situations? If they are allowed, do you accompany them, have them sign in, etc.? Appreciate any insights or thoughts!

Kendra, in my last museum, our security folks did not regularly walk through collections area. All museum areas were secured at the end of our work day, with video surveillance and a variety of intrusion detectors. There was a monitored key box in the security office, so that in an emergencies, a master key was available to open all areas. And by the way, we had a Knox box (required in our city) so that police and fire fighters could gain access without delay, and without having to break doors or windows. Our collections staff walked through every area, every day, and we had computer-monitored access ways.

Hi Kendra, interesting question. We do not allow security of facilities in storage areas without collection or handling staff present. There are just too many pit falls too navigating the warren of collection storage. Yes of course in an emergency they need to go where they need to go, but the security staff rotates enough that training for access in storage would be a constant uphill battle that no one wants to take on.