Author: Lewis, Ralph H.

Publication Year: 1975

Media Type: Book

Summary:

[This book] is an outgrowth of an earlier (1941) volume entitled Field Manual for Museums by Ned J. Burns, a work that went out of print during World War II and is, even to this day, in demand by curators and museum managers.

Abstract:

Among the most important contributions the National Park Service has made since its founding in 1916 has been the development of extraordinary museum technology and administration - national in scope and international in influence. This manual, a distillation of what many persons have learned about the day-to-day operations of museums, is meant to provide curatorial standards and serve as a reference for museum workers everywhere. [This book] is an outgrowth of an earlier (1941) volume entitled Field Manual for Museums by Ned J. Burns, a work that went out of print during World War II and is, even to this day, in demand by curators and museum managers. (Foreword, p. vii). Part 1 traces guidelines for managing museum collections. While directed particularly to museums in the national parks, it applies almost equally to other museums, especially small ones. (Introduction, p. 2).

CONTENTS
Part 1. Museum collections.

Introduction.

Chapter 1. What to acquire.

Scope of collections.
Exhibit series.
Study series.

Chapter 2. How to acquire.

Field collecting.
Purchasing.
Gifts.
Loans.
Transfers.
Exchanges.
Referral to the Smithsonian Institution.

Chapter 3. Preparing specimens for the collection.

Organic material.
Waterlogged specimens.
Rapidly deteriorating objects.
Freshly collected biological specimens.
Identifying and authenticating specimens.

Chapter 4. Caring for a collection.

Basic steps.
Agents of deterioration.
Climate control.
Study collection space.
Specimen storage equipment.
Central repositories.

Chapter 5. Using museum collections.

Exhibition.
Reference.
Research.
Documentation.

Chapter 6. Disposal of specimens.

Methods.
Clearing house services.
Lending museum specimens.

Part 2. Museum records.

Introduction.

Chapter 7. Accession records.

Accession book.
Accession file.
Source of accession file.
Tagging and storing accessions.
Deaccessioning.
Installing a new system.

Chapter 8. Museum catalogue.

Museum catalogue form.
Catalogue folder file.
Inventory or location file.
Numbering specimens.
Exceptions to standard procedures.
Report to finance office.
Supplies for cataloguing.

Chapter 9. Classification.

Botany.
Zoology.
Geology.
Archeology.
Ethnology.
History.

Part 3. Furnished historic structure museums.

Introduction.

Chapter 10. Development.

Criteria for deciding to furnish.
Check list of procedures.
Cooperative responsibilities.
The furnishing plan.
Implementing the furnishing plan.

Chapter 11. Housekeeping.

Organization.
Equipment.
Methods and materials.

Chapter 12. Protection.

Safe practices in housekeeping.
Protecting visitors.
Protecting the building and furnishings.

Chapter 13. Interpretation.

Nature of the experience.
What to interpret.
Interpretive methods.
Alternatives to furnishing.

Part 4. Exhibit maintenance and replacement.

Introduction.

Chapter 14. Maintaining the exhibit room.

Cleaning.
Refinishing.
Lighting.
Atmosphere.

Chapter 15. Cleaning exhibits.

Case exhibits.
Open exhibit panels.
Exposed specimens.

Chapter 16. Maintaining outdoor exhibits.

Cannon and Cannon carriages.
Statues and stone monuments.
Cast aluminum markers.

Chapter 17. Rehabilitation, Repair, Revision and Replacement.

Preventive maintenance.
Programming the work.

Appendixes.
     A. Laws affecting museum operations.
     B. Scope of collections statements.
     C. Collection inventory.
     D. Condition standards for antique firearms.
     E. Specimen descriptions for catalogue records.
     F. Furnishing research.
     G. Fire safety self-inspection form.
     H. Bibliography of Park and Countryside museums.

Index.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Cultural Facilities