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  • 1.  Disposing of Objects

    Posted 02-01-2023 03:31 PM
    Hi All,

    We have been asked by a donor to dispose of an object that arrived at the museum broken. They said they don't require any documentation; however, I wanted to check within the industry to see what best practices are regarding disposal of objects, aside from photographic documentation.

    Thanks!

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    Kathryne Applegate
    Collection Coordinator
    Zanesville Museum of Art
    Zanesville OH
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  • 2.  RE: Disposing of Objects

    Posted 02-01-2023 03:51 PM

    I would take lots of photos and document the conversation by asking the donor to put their instructions in an email – that way it's in writing.

     

    I would then file the email and photos in a computer file AND print off a hardcopy filing it in a file marked "Disposals" or "Insurance" (even if no claim was filed) that way it's in a logical place if someone needs it 20/30 years down the road.

     

    Lana Newhart-Kellen

    Collections & Facilities Manager/Purdue Galleries

    Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art & Performance

    Harrison Hall/HARR C-14B

    107 MacArthur Drive

    West Lafayette IN 47906

    765-496-2816

    ljnewhar@purdue.edu (Newhart-Kellen, Lana J) 

    signature_588914790

     






  • 3.  RE: Disposing of Objects

    Posted 02-02-2023 11:48 AM
    Hi Kathryne,

    You're definitely on the right track to photo document the situation, and I would also print out or somehow save any written correspondence you have with the donor.  I've had situations in the past like yours and also where a donor has simply changed their mind about whether to return an unaccepted object or not and decided we could just discard it instead.  In those instances, I sent the donor a brief permission form that included language explaining what happened (damage or change of mind), what action the donor is authorizing (discarding), and space for signature by the donor.  This is more to cover the situation when there are verbal conversations rather than written ones, but even with emails, I have used a form as a way to very clearly and succinctly gain permission.

    Best,
    Angela

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    Angela Stanford
    Independent Registrar and Collections Specialist
    Advanced Museum Services
    Indianola, Iowa
    www.advancedmuseumservices.com
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