This sections focuses on the management of collections and taonga, preventive conservation and documentation.
2.1 Acquisition, deaccessioning and repatriation policies
Objective: A basis is provided for deciding what objects and taonga to collect, document, manage, repatriate or deaccession.
2.2 Collections and taonga documentation
Objective: The history and source of each object and taonga, together with sufficient descriptive information, are recorded and kept to enable identification if an object or taonga goes missing, to ensure that catalogue information matches the object or taonga, and that ownership history is proven.
2.3 Management of collection and taonga records
Objective: The paper and electronic records relating to the individual collection items are secure and well indexed, but readily accessible to authorised users.
- Example collection management policy
- Example collection policy
- Example deed of gift
- He Rauemi Resource Guides - National Services Te Paerangi
- Below are links to the websites of the four main systems currently used by New Zealand museums:
- Other helpful Collection Management System resources:
2.4 Legal interest in collections and taonga
Objective: Written documentation of the object’s legal status.
2.5 Loans
Objective: Museum staff document and know who owns every loaned object or taonga, and when and how to return loans.
2.6 Disaster preparedness
Objective: Others can help if the visitors, staff, collection, records and building are under threat in the event of an emergency.
2.7 Collections and taonga condition and security
Objective: Risks of theft or damage to the collection are minimised and reported.
2.8 Care of taonga
Objective: Iwi, hapū and whānau have confidence in the ability of the museum to receive, protect and respect the taonga in accordance with tikanga.
National Preservation Office Te Tari Tohu Taonga
National Library of New Zealand
PO Box 1467
Wellington
Email: preservation@natlib.govt.nz
Phone: 04 474 3058
Fax: 04 474 3035
2.9 Conservation policy
Objective: Collections and taonga will survive in the best possible condition.
- He Rauemi Resource Guides - National Services Te Paerangi
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Care of Books
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Repair of Books
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Care of Photographs
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Care of Sound Recordings
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Care of Works of Art on Paper
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Caring for Family Collections
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Care of Architectural Materials
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Making a box for storing collection items
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Surface Cleaning
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Cleaning silver
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Practical advice on caring for collections (includes paper, art, textiles etc)
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Guidelines on handling collection objects
- CCI Notes provides help for preserving collections by type and by topic
2.10 Conservation decisions
Objective: Specific treatment needs of individual objects are met only by fully qualified conservators; general museum staff are able to recognise basic problems, and have access to professional advice or mentoring; iwi protocols and customary concepts are addressed appropriately.
- He Rauemi Resource Guides - National Services Te Paerangi
‘Artcare: The Care of Art and Artefacts in New Zealand’
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The New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Materials (NZCCM) is an association of professional conservators of cultural property employed in public museums, art galleries, libraries and private practice.
2.11 Condition checks on collections and taonga
Objective: Prevention of deterioration and prompt attention to problems such as damp, pests, fading, theft, vandalism.
2.12 Condition checks on buildings
Objective: The buildings provide the collections and taonga with effective protection from the environment and intruders, and a safe environment for visitors and workers.
2.13 Archives management
Objective: Archives, historic photographs, oral histories, film and video recordings and related material are managed and preserved effectively and are accessible for research.
For a copy, please contact:
National Preservation Office Te Tari Tohu Taonga
National Library of New Zealand
PO Box 1467
Wellington
Email: preservation@natlib.govt.nz
Phone: 04 474 3058
Fax: 04 474 3035
2.14 Heritage building significance
Objective: The museum recognises the heritage significance of the building for museum purposes while maintaining its integrity, and addresses heritage conservation issues.
2.15 Collections and taonga in heritage buildings
Objective: A balance is achieved between the best possible care and interpretation of the collections and taonga and of the building.