Museum Handbook Quick ReferenceMuseum Handbook Quick Reference 1a6 and 1b2D .......................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, E ................................................................................................................................ MH-I, App F, B (Ia6 only) 36 CFR 2.5 ....................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VI ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, D [in review] Abandonment, deaccessioning .................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, I Access and use legislation ...................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 2, B Access and use of museum collections, evaluating and documenting ........................................ MH-III, Ch 1 Accession book ........................................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 2, U Accessioning ................................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2 Accessioning archives...............................................................................................................MH-II,AppD,G Accessions inventory ................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, D–E Accountable officer, responsibilities ......................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1, E Accreditation ............................................................................................................................... MH-I, App B Accretion (archives cataloging) ............................................................................................. MH-II, App D, G ACP (Automated Checklist Program), Checklist for Preservation and Protection .................. MH-I, Ch 12, B ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App F AIP (Automated Inventory Program) ..........................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, A–B Air pollution, effect on museum objects ................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 4, H–I All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATB) .................................................................. MH-II, App H, C [in review] ANCS+ [ICMS] ......................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1, A Animal specimens ........................................................................................................................ MH-I, App T Appraising archival collections ............................................................................................... MH-II, App D, E Appraising museum objects ....................................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IX, D–G Archeology collections, description ........................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, F Archeology object names .......................................................................................................MH-II, App E, B ................................................................................................................................................MH-II, App E, E Archeology objects, care of ........................................................................................................... MH-I, App I Archeology objects, cataloging .............................................................................................. MH-II, App E, C Archeology objects, classifying .............................................................................................. MH-II, App E, A Archeology objects, lot cataloging .......................................................................................... MH-II, App I, B Archival collections, care of............................................................................................... MH-II, App D, N–Q Archival collections, cataloging .............................................................................................. MH-II, App D, C ................................................................................................................................................MH-II, App D, R Archival collections, description ................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 1, E ................................................................................................................................................... MH-II, App D Archives and manuscript collections .......................................................................................... MH-II, App D ARPA (Archeological Resources Protection Act).................................................................... MH-III, Ch 2, E Art and Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) ................................................................................... MH-II, App G, B Associated records for natural history specimens .......................................... MH-II, App H, M–P [in review] Audit of museum property .............................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, H Automated Checklist Program (ACP), Checklist for Preservation and Protection .................. MH-I, Ch 12, B ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App F Automated Inventory Program (AIP) ..........................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, A–B Backlog cataloging funding ........................................................................................................ MH-II, App B Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ MH-II, App L Bioblitz .................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, C [in review] Biological collections, care of ....................................................................................................... MH-I, App T ........................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E Biological infestations ..................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 5 Bioprospecting .................................................................................................... MH-II, App H, C [in review]] Board of Survey ............................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, G Board of Survey procedures ...................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, I Botanical collections, care of ............................................................................................. MH-I, App Q, C–E ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App T Casts, cataloging ................................................................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] Cataloging by lot .......................................................................................................................... MH-II, App I
2 NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010)
Cataloging component parts .................................................................................................. MH-II, App C, B Cataloging costs ......................................................................................................................... MH-II, App B Cataloging guidelines ................................................................................................................. MH-II, App C Cataloging museum objects .......................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 3 ................................................................................................................................................... MH-II, App C Cataloging—see by discipline Cellulose, nitrate and ester ......................................................................................................... MH-I, App M Ceramic objects, care of ............................................................................................................. MH-I, App P Checklist for Preservation and Protection (ACP) .................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, B ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App F Clearinghouse ......................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, O CMR (Collections Management Report) ................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 12, B ....................................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VIII Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................. MH-I, App D Collection Condition Survey ...................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 3, D Collection Management Plan (CMP) ......................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 3, C ................................................................................................................................................ MH-I, App F, C Collection permits for natural history specimens ............................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VI ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, D [in review] Collection Storage Plan ............................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 7, C Collections Advisory Committee (role of) .................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 2, C Collections Advisory Committee (role in deaccessions) .......................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, D Collections Management Report (CMR) ................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 12, B ....................................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VIII Collections management, responsibilities, policy...................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, H Component parts, cataloging ................................................................................................. MH-II, App C, B Composite samples, classifying ............................................................................ MH-II, App H, L [in review] Condition, standard terms ...................................................................................................... MH-II, App C, D Conservation associations ...................................................................................................... MH-I, App C, D Conservation of ceramic objects ......................................................................................... MH-I, App P, F–H Conservation of furniture, wooden objects ......................................................................... MH-I, App N, G–H Conservation of glass objects ............................................................................................. MH-I, App P, F–H Conservation of leather and skin objects ............................................................................ MH-I, App S, D–F Conservation of metal objects ................................................................................................. MH-I, App O, F Conservation of paintings ........................................................................................................ MH-I, App L, G Conservation of paper objects ................................................................................................ MH-I, App J, H Conservation of photographic collections ............................................................................ MH-I, App R, D–I Conservation of stone objects ............................................................................................. MH-I, App P, F–H Conservation of textiles .......................................................................................................... MH-I, App K, M Conservation treatment .................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 8 Consumptive use of collections......................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec V ................................................................................................................................................ MH-III, Ch 1, C Container Lists ....................................................................................................................... MH-II, App D, L ......................................................................................................................................MH-II, App D, Fig. D6 Containers for storing museum collections ............................................................................... MH-I, Ch 7, H Controlled property inventory ......................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, C Conveyance of museum objects .............................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, B Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) ......................... MH-II, App H, D [in review] Copyright, acquiring ................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2, E Copyright issues ..................................................................................................................... MH-II, App D, X Copyright laws ......................................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 2, C Corrosion of metal objects ..................................................................................................... MH-I, App O, C ..................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App O, Fig. O.2 Cost estimates for checklist deficiencies ...................................................................... MH-I, App F, Fig. F.1 Costume collections, storing and exhibiting ..................................................................... MH-I, App K, H–I, L CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) ......................... MH-II, App H, D [in review]
NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010) 3
Cultural groups ....................................................................................................................... MH-II, App F, D Cultural issues, use of collections ........................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, E Custodial officer, responsibilities .............................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 1, E Dataloggers ............................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 4, E Deaccessions ................................................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 6 Describing museum objects, methods and terminology ................................................... MH-II, App C, C–D Destructive analysis, deaccessioning ...................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, M Deterioration, chemical and physical ........................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 4, B Digital images of museum objects ......................................................................................... MH-II, App K, A Director’s Order #24 ..................................................................................................... MH-II, App A, Fig. A.3 DNA samples, cataloging and preserving ............................................................. MH-II, App H, L [in review] Donor restrictions .................................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 2, G EAD (Encoded Archival Description) ..................................................................................... MH-II, App D, T Educational use of museum objects ....................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 6, H Emergency management for museum collections .................................................................. MH-I, App G, E Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) .......................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 9, E ................................................................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 10, E Emergency planning .................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 10 Endangered and threatened species ................................................................... MH-II, App H, C [in review] Entomology collections, care of ......................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App T Environment, museum collections ................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 4 Environmental research collections, description ................................................................ MH-I, App Q, C–E Environmental samples ......................................................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] EOP (Emergency Operations Plan) .......................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 9, E ................................................................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 10, E Equipment, museum ................................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 1, D Ethical issues, use of collections ............................................................................................ MH-III, Ch 1, D Ethics and standards .................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 1, J .................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App D Ethnology classification .......................................................................................................... MH-II, App F, A Ethnology collections, description ............................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 1, F Ethnology object names ......................................................................................................... MH-II, App F, B Ethnology objects, cataloging ................................................................................................ MH-II, App F, C Ethnology objects, lot cataloging ............................................................................................ MH-II, App I, B Exchanges of museum objects ............................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 2, J–K Exhibition aids ............................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IV, C Exhibits, designing, producing, and maintaining .......................................................................... MH-III, Ch 7 Fibers, types of ........................................................................................................................ MH-I, App K, B Field collections ................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 2, N–O File unit in archives cataloging................................................................................................MH-II, App D, K Film, care of................................................................................................................................. MH-I, App M Film, reformatting nitrate, cellulose acetate, diacetate, triacetate.......................................... MH-I, App M, C Filming in museum spaces................................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 6, C–D Finding aids ................................................................................................................. MH-II, App D, M and T ......................................................................................................................................MH-II, App D, Fig. D6 Fire protection ................................................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 9 Fire protection and security standards .................................................................................... MH-I, App G, B Folder lists .............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App D, K Forms, museum .................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 1, D, H Fossils, cataloging ................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, L [in review] Fossils, types of ................................................................................................................. MH-I, App U, B–D Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ........................................................................................ MH-II, App D, V ................................................................................................................................................ MH-III, Ch 2, D Funding for backlog cataloging .............................................................................................. MH-II, App B, B Funding needs and requests ....................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12 Funding organizations ............................................................................................................. MH-I, App C, F
4 NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010)
Funding sources ...................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, D Furniture, care of ......................................................................................................................... MH-I, App N Geological collections, care of ........................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E ........................................................................................................................................ MH-I, App U, Sec. II Gifts as accessions .............................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2, F–G Glass objects, care of .................................................................................................................. MH-I, App P GPRA goals ............................................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 12, E ................................................................................................................................ MH-I, App F, B (Ia6 only) Handling museum objects ......................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 6, B Hazardous materials and contamination, use of collections ................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, C Hazardous materials, deaccessioning ....................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, I Hazardous substances, chemicals, objects, exposure to ................................................... MH-I, Ch 11, C–E HCO (Hierarchical Classification Outline) ............................................................. MH-II, App H, J [in review] Health and safety issues, laws, and resources ............................................................................ MH-I, Ch 11 .................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App H Herbarium unit ...................................................................................................... MH-II, App H, H [in review] Hierarchical Classification Outline (HCO) ............................................................. MH-II, App H, J [in review] Hierarchy in archival collections ...................................................................MH-II, App D, D; MH-II, App D, I Historic structures and museum objects ...................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 8 History collections, description .................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 1, F History object, names ................................................................................. MH-II, App G, B; MH-II, App G, E History objects, cataloging .................................................................................................... MH-II, App G, C History objects, classification .................................................................... MH-II, App G, A; MH-II, App G, D History objects, lot cataloging ................................................................................................. MH-II, App I, B History of NPS Museums .......................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, C Housekeeping .............................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 13 Housing museum objects .......................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 7, G Hybrids, natural history specimens ...................................................................... MH-II, App H, K [in review] Hygrometers .............................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 4, E Hygrothermographs .................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 4, E ICMS [ANCS+] ......................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1, A Illicit trade ................................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2, D Incoming loans ..................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 2, P–T Inherent vice .............................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 4, B Insurance for incoming loans .......................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VII Insurance for outgoing loans ............................................................................ MH-II, Ch 5, C; MH-II, Ch 5, E Integrated Pest Management (IPM) .......................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 5, D Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) ................................................. MH-II, App H, L [in review] International Council of Museums (ICOM) Code of Professional Ethics ................................ MH-III, Ch 1, D Interpretation issues, use of collections .................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 1, H Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) .................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 1, G ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, C [in review] Inventory of museum property ........................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I Invertebrate collections, care of ................................................................................................... MH-I, App T Invertebrate specimens ...................................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E Involuntary destruction and deaccessioning .............................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, I ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) ................................................. MH-II, App H, L [in review] Journals and technical Publications ........................................................................................ MH-I, App C, D Labels, natural history ............................................................................................................. MH-II, App J, K ........................................................................................................................ MH-II, App H, Q–R [in review] Land Survey System ............................................................................................ MH-II, App H, G [in review] Laws and mandates .................................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 1, B .................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App A ................................................................................................................................................... MH-II, App A Leather objects, care of ............................................................................................................... MH-I, App S Legal issues ................................................................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 2
NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010) 5
Lichens, classifying ............................................................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] Light levels for museum objects ............................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 4, F–G Living history items .......................................................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IV, B Loans, incoming ................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 2, P–T Loans, outgoing ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 5 Location information .......................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec II Longitude and latitude coordinate system ........................................................... MH-II, App H, G [in review] Loss of museum objects, deaccessioning ................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, I Loss of museum objects, reporting .................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec III Lot cataloging ............................................................................................................................... MH-II, App I Lot cataloging natural history specimens ............................................................. MH-II, App H, H [in review] Manuscript collections ................................................................................................................ MH-II, App D MARC-AMC (Machine Readable Cataloging Record— Archival and Manuscripts Control Format) ...................................................................... MH-II, App D, T Marking museum objects ............................................................................................................ MH-II, App J Measuring museum objects ............................................................................................... MH-II, App C, E–F Metal objects, care of .................................................................................................................. MH-I, App O Metals, identifying ........................................................................................................ MH-I, App O, Fig. O.1 Monitoring equipment ................................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 4, E Moving museum objects ........................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 6, C Museum Act of 1955 .................................................................................................................. MH-II, App A Museum collection storage ............................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 7 Museum Collections Emergency Operations Plan (MCEOP) ................................................. MH-I, Ch 10, E Museum Housekeeping Plan ....................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 13 Museum records ........................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1 NAGPRA collections, storing ...................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 7, I ...................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App I NAGPRA in the SOCS .............................................................................................................. MH-I, Ch 2, F NAGPRA collections, deaccessioning for repatriation ............................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, N NAGPRA, use of collections ................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, E National Catalog .................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 3, G–H National Historic Preservation Act .......................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 2, E National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998.................................................................MH-III, Ch 2, E Native American cultural groups ............................................................................................ MH-II, App F, D Natural history collection permits ......................................................................... MH-II, App H, D [in review] Natural history collections, accessions, deaccessions, loans .............................. MH-II, App H, E [in review] Natural history collections, care of .............................................................................................. MH-I, App Q Natural history collections, cataloging ................................................................... MH-II, App H, F [in review] Natural history collections, description ...................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, G ............................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C Natural history collections, importance of ............................................................ MH-II, App H, A [in review] Natural history collections, lot cataloging ................................................................................ MH-II, App I, C ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, H [in review] Natural history collections, types of ..................................................................... MH-II, App H, B [in review] Natural history collections, use of ........................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, F Natural history labels ............................................................................................................... MH-II, App J, K ........................................................................................................................ MH-II, App H, Q–R [in review] Natural history specimens, collecting and laws and regulations .......................... MH-II, App H, C [in review] Nitrate film, care of ...................................................................................................................... MH-I, App M Nitrate negatives, destroying (not deaccessioning) ................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, C Non-museum property, accessioned in error ........................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, C NPS–19 (Appendix B) ............................................................................................................ MH-II, App D, F NPSpecies............................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, F [in review] Numbering museum objects ....................................................................................................... MH-II, App J Operational policies and procedures ........................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 9, E Operations Formulation System (OFS) ................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, B Orphan collections (natural history) ....................................................................... MH-II, App H, I [in review]
6 NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010)
Outdoor exhibits .......................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IV, D Outgoing loans .............................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 5 Outside Scope of Collection, deaccessioning ....................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, J–L Packing museum objects ...................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 6, D–F Paintings, care of ......................................................................................................................... MH-I, App L Paleontological collections, care of .................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E ......................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App U, Sec. I Paper objects, care of .................................................................................................................. MH-I, App J Patent laws and trademarks................................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 2, H–I Performance Management Data System (PMDS) .................................................................. MH-I, Ch 12, E Performances using museum objects ..................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 6, G Permits for natural history specimens .............................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VI ............................................................................................................................. MH-II, App H, D [in review] Pests in museum collections .......................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 5 Photographic collections, care of ................................................................................................ MH-I, App R Photographing museum objects ................................................................................................ MH-II, App K Photographs in archival collections ....................................................................................... MH-II, App D, Q Photographs of museum objects, documenting and storing .................................................. MH-II, App K, E Planning for museum collections ................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 1, I Plant specimens ........................................................................................................................... MH-I, App T Policy guidance ......................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, H .................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App A ................................................................................................................................................... MH-II, App A Preservation issues, use of collections ................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, G Preservation, collections and historic structures ............................................................................ MH-I, Ch 3 Privacy and publicity legislation .............................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 2, F Privacy issues, use of collections ........................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, D Professional organizations .......................................................................................................... MH-I, App C Project Management Information System (PMIS) .................................................................. MH-I, Ch 12, B Protection of museum collections ............................................................................................... MH-I, App G Psychrometers .......................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 4, E Publications glossary ................................................................................................................ MH-III, App A Publications, use of museum collections ..................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 3 Purchasing museum objects ................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2, H–I Random sample inventory ............................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec I, C Recataloging ............................................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 3, G Records schedule .................................................................................................................. MH-II, App D, F Records, museum ......................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1 Regional offices, responsibilities ............................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, H Regulations and standards for collections .................................................................................. MH-I, App A Relative humidity, controlling ................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 4, D–E Repatriation, deaccessioning NAGPRA collections ................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, N Report of Survey (DI–103) .............................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Fig. 4.5 ................................................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, I Repositories for natural history collections ............................................................ MH-II, App H, I [in review] Repository Agreement for Natural History Specimens (Sample).................. MH-II, App H, App 2 [in review] Reproductions ..............................................................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IV, A Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) ................................................ MH-II, App H, D [in review] Research permit application for natural history specimens ........................... MH-II, App H, App 1[in review] Research requests .................................................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 1, B Research space, planning and guidance .................................................................................. MH-III, App D Resource Management Plan................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, B Resource management records ............................................................................................ MH-II, App D, M Responsibilities of museum staff, use of collections ............................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, D Restricting use of collections................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, C Return to rightful owner, deaccessioning ................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, H
NPS Museum Handbook, Quick Reference (2010) 7
Revised Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging (1988) .................................................... MH-II, App G, A–B RPRS (Research Permit and Reporting System) ................................................ MH-II, App H, D [in review] Scholarly integrity .................................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, D Scientific names ................................................................................................... MH-II, App H, K [in review] Scientific research and collecting ......................................................................... MH-II, App H, D [in review] Scope of Collections Statement .......................................................................... MH-I, Ch 2, C: MH-I, App E Security and fire protection standards .................................................................................... MH-I, App G, B Security and security systems........................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 9 Security issues, use of collections .......................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 1, G Sensitive information, access to ............................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 2, G Shipping museum objects .................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 6, D–G Skin, care of objects made from ................................................................................................. MH-I, App S Special events in museum spaces .......................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 6, E Specimen labels ...................................................................................................................... MH-II, App J, K ........................................................................................................................ MH-II, App H, Q–R [in review] Spot-check inventory ....................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch4, Sec I, H Staffing .................................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, F Standard Operating Procedures for museums ...................................................................... MH-I, App G, D Stone objects, care of ................................................................................................................. MH-I, App P Storage containers .................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 7, H Storage equipment .................................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 7, G Storage of museum collections, standards and requirements .................................................. MH-I, Ch 7, B Structural fire management ............................................................................................................ MH-I, Ch 9 .................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App G Supplies, museum .................................................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 1, D Surveys, museum security and fire protection .......................................................................MH-I, App G, C Tagging museum objects ........................................................................................................ MH-II, App J, K Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) .......................................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] Taxonomy and classification ................................................................................. MH-II, App H, J [in review] Temperature, controlling ....................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 4, C–E Textiles, care of ........................................................................................................................... MH-I, App K Theft, deaccessioning ................................................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 6, I Theft, reporting ................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec III Three-dimensional reproductions ................................................................................................ MH-III, Ch 5 Tissue samples, cataloging and preserving .......................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] Tort claim.....................................................................................................................MH-II, Ch 4, Sec VII, A Trace fossils, cataloging ........................................................................................ MH-II, App H, L [in review] Trademarks and servicemarks................................................................................................. MH-III, Ch 2, I Training and development....................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 12, G Training, museum documentation ............................................................................................ MH-II, Ch 1, B Transfer of museum objects................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 2, L–M .................................................................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 6, J TSN (Taxonomic Serial Number) .......................................................................... MH-II, App H, L [in review] Two-dimensional reproductions ................................................................................................... MH-III, Ch 4 Unpacking museum objects ...................................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 6, H UTM coordinate system ....................................................................................... MH-II, App H, G [in review] Value of museum objects ................................................................................................. MH-II, Ch 4, Sec IX Vertebrate collections, care of ........................................................................................... MH-I, App Q, C–E ..................................................................................................................................................... MH-I, App T Voluntary destruction, deaccessioning ...................................................................................... MH-II, Ch 6, I Voucher specimen ................................................................................................ MH-II, App H, J [in review] Washington Office, responsibilities ........................................................................................... MH-I, Ch 1, H Wet specimens ............................................................................................................... MH-I, App T, Sec. IV Wooden objects, care of ............................................................................................................. MH-I, App N
MUSEUM
HANDBOOK
PART I
MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The preparation of the NPS Museum Handbook, Part I, is coordinated by the Preservation and Protection Team, Museum Management Program. The entire Handbook was reissued in 1990. Additional revisions were issued in 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. Additional Plain Language revisions and updates are currently being prepared. The authors and the date each chapter or appendix was issued or revised are listed below: Chapter 1 (2006) – Ann Hitchcock, Chief Curator; Steve Floray, Museum Specialist, Park Museum Management Program. Chapter 2 (2003) – Steve Floray, Museum Specialist, Park Museum Management Program; Tony Knapp, Training Manager, Cultural Resources Stewardship, Stephen T. Mather Training Center. Chapter 3 (1999) – Jessica S. Johnson, Conservator, Museum Management Program and Martin Burke, Associate Manager, Department of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center. Chapter 4 (1999) – Jessica S. Johnson, based on 1990 version. The previous version was written by Edward McManus, Regional Conservator, North Atlantic Region; Tom Carter, Paintings Conservator, Division of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center; Diana Pardue, Staff Curator, Curatorial Services Division; John Hunter, Supervisory Staff Curator, Curatorial Services Division; and Toby Raphael, Conservator, Division of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center. Chapter 5 (1998) – Jessica S. Johnson. Chapter 6 (1999) – Jessica S. Johnson, based on the 1990 version written by Kathleen Byrne, Staff Curator, Curatorial Services Division. Chapter 7 (1999) – Donald Cumberland, Museum Specialist, Museum Management Program, with additions by Steve Floray, Museum Specialist, Museum Management Program (2001). Chapter 8 (2001) – Sara J. Wolf, Conservator, Museum Management Program, and Jessica S. Johnson. Chapter 9 (2002) – Danny McDaniel, Director, Security, Safety and Transportation, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; John Hunter; Tony Knapp; with additions by Steve Floray and Sara J. Wolf. Chapter 10 (2000) – Diane Vogt O'Connor, Senior Archivist, Museum Management Program. Chapter 11 (2001) – Jessica S. Johnson based on the 1990 version written by Tony Knapp; Bill Meuse, Museum Curator, Springfield Armory NHS; Bart Roberts, Metals Conservator, Division of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center. Chapter 12 (2003) – Abby Sue Fisher, Chief of Museum Services, Keweenaw National Historical Park; Sara J. Wolf. Appendix A (2000) – Steve Floray, based on the 1990 version written by Tony Knapp. Appendix B (2006) – Ann Hitchcock. Appendix C (2000) – Steve Floray, based on the 1990 version written by Tony Knapp. Appendix D (2006) – Ann Hitchcock. Appendix E (2003) – Steve Floray.
NPS Museum Handbook, Part I (2006)
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Appendix F (1999) – Jessica S. Johnson, with additions by Steve Floray (2005). Appendix G (1996) – Danny McDaniel; John Hunter; Tony Knapp. Appendix I (2001) – Cynthia Murdock, Program Assistant, Museum Management Program, and Jessica S. Johnson, based on the 1999 version written by Brigid Sullivan, Regional Conservator, Midwest Region. Appendix J (2003) – Sara J. Wolf. Appendix K (2002) – Sara J. Wolf. Appendix L (2000) – Jessica S. Johnson and Karen Bennett, Intern, Museum Management Program, based on the 1990 version written by Tom Carter. Appendix M (1999) – Diane Vogt O'Connor. Appendix N (2002) – Cynthia Murdock, based on the 1990 version written by Al Levitan, Furniture Conservator, Division of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center. Appendix O (2002) – Martin Burke. Appendix P (2000) – Jessica S. Johnson, based on the 1990 version written by Shelley Sturman, Objects Conservator, and Judy Ozone, Objects Conservator, National Gallery of Art. Appendix Q (1999) – Catherine Hawks, Private Conservator. Appendix R (1996) – Debbie Hess Norris, Assistant Professor of Photographic Conservation, University of Delaware, and President of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Appendix S (1996) – Toby Raphael. Appendix T (2005) - Stephen L. Williams, Assistant Professor of Museum Studies, Baylor University and Collections Manager, Strecker Museum Complex (adapted from Mr. Williams’ Ph.D. dissertation); Catherine Hawks. Appendix U (2005) - Greg McDonald, Senior Curator of Natural History, Park Museum Management Program; Ann Elder, Paleontologist and Museum Curator, Dinosaur National Monument; Sally Shelton, Collections Officer, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History. Additional thanks go to the numerous other individuals who have assisted or advised on the Handbook since 1990. Individuals who assisted with the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006 revisions include: Carol diSalvo, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, and Barbara Cumberland, Assistant Conservator, Department of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center, for Chapter 5; Harold L. Spencer, Structural Fire Training and Education Specialist, National Interagency Fire Center, Structural Fire Program, for Chapter 9; Carol diSalvo and Kathryn Makos, Senior Industrial Hygienist, Smithsonian Institution, for Chapter 11; Nancy Purinton, Conservator, Department of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center, for Appendix J; Sara McElroy, Paintings Conservator, University of Texas at Austin, for Appendix L. Thanks to the following individuals for their critical review of the text: John W. Roberts, Chief National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program (former Manager, Park Museum Management Program); Joan Bacharach, Curator, Park Museum Management Program; Janet Pasiuk, Museum Technician, Clara Barton National Historic Site; Melinda Snarr, Intern, Park Museum Management Program; Museum Management Program Council members; NPS Chief Curator Ann Hitchcock. Additional thanks to Lea Anne Chapman, Program Assistant, Park Museum Management Program, and Cynthia Murdock for their careful copyediting and formatting of the text.
NPS Museum Handbook , Part I (2005) iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION 1. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS A. Purpose of National Park Service Museums ....................................................................1:1 B. History of National Park Service Museums ......................................................................1:4 C. National Park Service Museum Collections ......................................................................1:11 D. Introduction to NPS Museum Collections Management .....................................................1:20 E. Planning for Park Museum Collections ............................................................................1:23 F. Professional Considerations ...........................................................................................1:29 G. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................1:35 H. Endnotes .......................................................................................................................1:41 2. SCOPE OF MUSEUM COLLECTIONS (2003) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................2:1 B. Museum Collections .......................................................................................................2:1 C. The Scope of Collection Statement .................................................................................2:3 D. Writing the Introductory Section of the Scope of Collection Statement ...............................2:6 E. Writing the Types of Collections Section ..........................................................................2:10 F. Writing the Museum Collections Subject to NAGPRA Section ...........................................2:17 G. Writing the Acquisition Section ........................................................................................2:18 H. Writing the Uses of Collections Section ...........................................................................2:20 I. Writing the Restrictions Section.......................................................................................2:22 J. Writing the Management Actions Section.........................................................................2:24 K. Implementing the Scope of Collection Statement..............................................................2:25 L. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................2:28 3. MUSEUM OBJECTS PRESERVATION: GETTING STARTED (1999) A. Introduction to Museum Objects Preservation ..................................................................3:1 B. Establishing an Object Conservation Program .................................................................3:4 C. The Collection Management Plan....................................................................................3:7 D. The Collection Condition Survey .....................................................................................3:10 E. The Structure that Houses Museum Objects ....................................................................3:14 F. Glossary ........................................................................................................................3:15 G. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................3:17 H. Endnotes .......................................................................................................................3:19 4. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS ENVIRONMENT (1999) A. The Agents of Deterioration ............................................................................................4:1 B. Developing the Critical Eye.............................................................................................4:4 C. Temperature and Relative Humidity ................................................................................4:9 D. Monitoring and Controlling Relative Humidity and Temperature.........................................4:15 E. Light ..............................................................................................................................4:37 F. Dust and Gaseous Air Pollution.......................................................................................4:47 G. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................4:56 H. Endnotes .......................................................................................................................4:58 5. BIOLOGICAL INFESTATIONS (1998) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................5:1 B. Active Infestations ..........................................................................................................5:1 C. Identification of Museum Pests .......................................................................................5:3 D. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) .................................................................................5:7 E. Monitoring .....................................................................................................................5:9
Page F. Documenting and Evaluating Your IPM Program..............................................................5:14 G. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................5:15 H. Web Information ............................................................................................................5:15 6. HANDLING, PACKING AND SHIPPING MUSEUM OBJECTS (1999) A. Introduction ...................................................................................................................6:1 B. Handling Objects ...........................................................................................................6:2 C. Moving Objects Within the Museum ................................................................................6:9 D. Packing and Shipping Preparations .................................................................................6:11 E. Packing and Shipping Materials ......................................................................................6:13 F. Packing for Shipping ......................................................................................................6:18 G. Shipping Objects............................................................................................................6:23 H. Receiving and Unpacking the Container ..........................................................................6:27 I. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................6:28 7. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS STORAGE (1999) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................7:1 B. Standards and Requirements for Collection Storage ........................................................7:2 C. Planning Collection Storage Space .................................................................................7:8 D. Assessing Collection Storage Needs ...............................................................................7:10 E. Assessing the Current Collection Storage Facility or Space ..............................................7:14 F. Planning a New or Upgraded Storage Space ...................................................................7:16 G. Housing Museum Objects...............................................................................................7:19 H. Using Containers and Supports.......................................................................................7:21
J. Bibliography...................................................................................................................7:25 K. List of Figures ................................................................................................................7:28 8. CONSERVATION TREATMENT (2001) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................8:1 B. Factors to Consider Before Conservation Treatment ........................................................8:4 C. Documentation of Conservation Treatment ......................................................................8:7 D. Obtaining the Services of a Conservator..........................................................................8:12 E. Glossary ........................................................................................................................8:15 F. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................8:16 G. Internet Resources .........................................................................................................8:17 9. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS SECURITY AND FIRE PROTECTION (2002) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................9:1 B. Legal, Regulatory and Policy Requirements.....................................................................9:3 C. Measuring the Effectiveness of a Security System ...........................................................9:5 D. Fire Protection ...............................................................................................................9:11 E. Operational Security.......................................................................................................9:23 F. Physical Security ...........................................................................................................9:31 G. Electronic Security Systems............................................................................................9:35 H. Protecting Collections in Transit ......................................................................................9:45 I. Reporting and Recovering Stolen Museum Objects..........................................................9:46 J. Museum Collection Records ...........................................................................................9:47 K. World Wide Web Resources ...........................................................................................9:49 L. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................9:49 M. Endnotes .......................................................................................................................9:50
Page 10. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: EMERGENCY PLANNING (2000) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................10:1 B. Museum Collections Hazards, Vulnerabilities and Disaster Prevention ..............................10:3 C. Analysis of Risk to Your Park's Museum Collections .........................................................10:32 D. Prioritization of Museum Collections for Salvage ..............................................................10:35 E. Preparation of a Museum Component to an Emergency Operations Plan ..........................10:43 F. Staff Training and Plan Evaluation and Revision ..............................................................10:50 G. Bibliography...................................................................................................................10:52 H. List of Figures ................................................................................................................10:57 11. CURATORIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (2001) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................11:1 B. Understanding Health and Safety Issues .........................................................................11:3 C. Controlling Exposure to Hazardous Substances ...............................................................11:6 D. Hazardous Chemicals and Materials Used in Collections Care..........................................11:11 E. Hazardous Objects in Collections ....................................................................................11:17 F. Safety Rules for Lifting and Carrying ...............................................................................11:26 G. Workspace Conditions....................................................................................................11:27 H. Glossary ........................................................................................................................11:29 I. Web Resources .............................................................................................................11:30 J. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................11:31 K. List of Figures ................................................................................................................11:33 12. CURATORIAL FUNDING, STAFFING, AND REPORTING (2003) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................12:1 B. Basic Museum Program Management Issues ..................................................................12:1 C. Developing Funding Requests ........................................................................................12:7 D. Sources of Funding for Collections Management..............................................................12:11 E. Documenting Results and Performance...........................................................................12:16 F. Staffing..........................................................................................................................12:18 G. Training and Development ..............................................................................................12:21 H. Resources .....................................................................................................................12:23 I. Figures ..........................................................................................................................12:25 13. MUSEUM HOUSEKEEPING (1998)
APPENDICES Page A. MANDATES AND STANDARDS FOR NPS MUSEUM COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT (2000) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................A:1 B. Laws, Regulations, and Conventions – NPS Cultural Collections.......................................A:1 C. Laws, Regulations, and Conventions – NPS Natural History Collections ...........................A:6 D. Policies and Standards ...................................................................................................A:9 E. List of Figures ................................................................................................................A:16 B. ACCREDITATION (1998) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................B:1 B. Accreditation Step-by-Step .............................................................................................B:4 C. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES (2000) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................C:1 B. National Museum Organizations .....................................................................................C:1 C. Regional Museum Conferences and Associations ............................................................C:3 D. Regional Conservation Guilds and Associations ...............................................................C:5 E. Museum Journals and Technical Publications ..................................................................C:5 F. Funding Organizations ...................................................................................................C:6 D. CODE OF ETHICS FOR CURATORS, ARCHIVISTS, AND CONSERVATORS A. American Association of Museums Code of Ethics for Curators.........................................D:1 B. Society of American Archivists Code of Ethics for Archivists .............................................D:2 C. American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Conservators ...............................................................................................D:4 E. SCOPE OF COLLECTION STATEMENT (2003) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................E:1 B. Evaluating Your Scope of Collection Statement................................................................E:1 C. List of Figures ................................................................................................................E:2 F. NPS MUSEUM COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT CHECKLISTS (1999) A. NPS Checklist for Preservation and Protection of Museum Collections ..............................F:1 B. NPS Collection Management Plan Team Site Visit Checklist.............................................F:39 C. NPS Checklist of Reference Documents for Collection Management Plan Team ................F:47 G. PROTECTION OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MUSEUM COLLECTIONS (1996) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................G:1 B. NPS Standards for Security and Fire Protection...............................................................G:1 C. Museum Security and Fire Protection Surveys .................................................................G:3 D. Park Museum Standard Operating Procedures and Agreements.......................................G:6 E. Mandates and Requirements for Emergency Management for Museum Collections ...........G:8 F. Glossary ........................................................................................................................G:9 G. List of Figures ................................................................................................................G:14 H. CURATORIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (2000) A. Laws, Regulations, and NPS Policies and Guidelines .......................................................H:1 B. Sources of Assistance....................................................................................................H:2 C. Sources of Health and Safety Equipment and Supplies ....................................................H:5
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Page I. CURATORIAL CARE OF ARCHEOLOGICAL OBJECTS (2001) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................I:1 B. Handling and Cleaning Archeological Materials................................................................I:3 C. Storage Conditions for Archeological Objects...................................................................I:4 D. Storage Techniques for Archeological Collections ............................................................I:5 E. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................I:8 J. CURATORIAL CARE OF PAPER OBJECTS (2003) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................J:1 B. The Nature of Paper Objects ..........................................................................................J:3 C. Agents of Deterioration ...................................................................................................J:5 D. Collections Maintenance.................................................................................................J:11 E. Handling Paper Objects..................................................................................................J:13 F. Storing Paper Objects ....................................................................................................J:16 G. Exhibiting Paper Objects ................................................................................................J:23 H. Working with a Conservator When Treatment is Needed ..................................................J:24 I. Emergency Procedures for Paper Collections ..................................................................J:26 J. Glossary of Terms Used to Describe Condition ................................................................J:27 K. Selected Bibliography .....................................................................................................J:28 L. Selected World Wide Web Resources .............................................................................J:29 K. CURATORIAL CARE OF TEXTILE OBJECTS (2002) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................K:1 B. The Nature of Textiles ....................................................................................................K:2 C. The Fabrication of Textiles..............................................................................................K:5 D. Deterioration of Textiles ..................................................................................................K:9 E. Proper Handling of Textiles.............................................................................................K:13 F. Storage Specifications ....................................................................................................K:14 G. Storing Flat Textiles .......................................................................................................K:15 H. Storing Costume Collections ...........................................................................................K:17 I. Storing Costume Accessories .........................................................................................K:21 J. General Considerations for Exhibition..............................................................................K:26 K. Exhibition of Flat Textiles ................................................................................................K:28 L. Display of Historic Costumes ..........................................................................................K:33 M. Conservation Treatment .................................................................................................K:34 N. Packing and Shipping Textile Objects..............................................................................K:39 O. Emergency Procedures for Textile Objects ......................................................................K:40 P. Glossary ........................................................................................................................K:41 Q. Bibliography...................................................................................................................K:42 R. Additional Resources .....................................................................................................K:44 L. CURATORIAL CARE OF PAINTINGS (2000) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................L:1 B. The Nature of Canvas and Panel Paintings ......................................................................L:2 C. Factors that Contribute to a Painting's Deterioration .........................................................L:5 D. Proper Handling and Storage of Paintings .......................................................................L:9 E. Exhibiting Paintings ........................................................................................................L:13 F. Proper Shipping of Paintings ...........................................................................................L:14 G. Conservation Treatment .................................................................................................L:15 H. Procedures for Handling Paintings During Emergencies ...................................................L:17 I. Glossary of Terms Used for Condition Reporting When Examining Paintings .....................L:18 J. Selected World Wide Web References ............................................................................L:19
Page K. Selected References ......................................................................................................L:19
N. CURATORIAL CARE OF WOODEN OBJECTS (2002) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................N:1 B. The Nature of Wood .......................................................................................................N:2 C. Agents of Deterioration ...................................................................................................N:4 D. The Nature of Furniture ..................................................................................................N:9 E. Preventive Conservation: Controlling the Environment......................................................N:15 F. Preservation Through Good Housekeeping Practices .......................................................N:17 G. Preventive Conservation at Other Times..........................................................................N:20 H. Conservation Treatment .................................................................................................N:23 I. Emergency Procedures for Wooden Objects....................................................................N:26
Page F. Glossary ........................................................................................................................Q:28 G. Selected References ......................................................................................................Q:30 R. CURATORIAL CARE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTIONS (1996) A. Overview.......................................................................................................................R:1 B. The Nature of Photographic Materials .............................................................................R:1 C. Preparing a Preservation Strategy ...................................................................................R:5 D. Preventive Conservation: Handling Photographic Collections ...........................................R:11 E. Preventive Conservation: Storing Photographic Collections ...................