Deaccession Policy

Deaccessioning is the process by which a previously accessioned artifact is permanently removed from museum's collection. The ARC may deaccession an object or collection for the following reasons:
 

• To establish order and purpose to the collection
• It is outside the scope of collections
• The cost of storage or conservation is prohibitive
• Limited storage space
• Duplication of material
• Replacement with better examples
• Deterioration beyond usefulness
• Lack of physical integrity due to loss of documentation
• Repatriation (NAGPRA)

Authority

The authority to deaccession an artifact comes from the Collections Committee (see Statement of Authority). After which, objects may be removed from the collections with the written approval of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Public Service. 

Disposal

There are several options available for the disposal of deaccessioned materials depending on the needs of the ARC, the type of objects involved, and if there are any legally binding restrictions. Under no circumstances may ARC staff, associates, volunteers, or their  relatives acquire deaccessioned objects. 
 
Transfer - An object or collection may be donated to a more appropriate institution such as another museum, library, or archive. This option keeps the material accessible to the public for educational purposes. 
 
Exchange - Objects of relatively equal value are exchanged between museums or non- profit organizations.
 
Education and Research - Deaccessioned artifacts may be used in school programs, for hands-on demonstrations, study, or testing. It will be accepted that deterioration and destruction of the items is inherent in this type of use.
 
Destruction - Objects in irreparable condition, or considered hazardous may be physically destroyed. 
 
Repatriation - Human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony are returned to lineal descendants or culturally affiliated Indian tribe as required by the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990. All  museums that receive federal funds must comply with this legislation.

Public Relations

The Collections Committee will inform ARC staff members at regular meetings of any deaccession decisions made. Donors of material being considered for deaccessioning will be notified in advance and acknowledged for their contribution. 

Documentation

The collections manager shall keep complete documentation of the deaccession process, from initial review to disposal of material. The official records will include original deed of gift, proof of clear and unrestricted title, photographs of objects, in addition to all  paperwork associated with the objects and deaccessioning process. Accession numbers of deaccessioned objects will not be reused.