Why Natural History Museums Matter
Resource type
Presentation
Creator (person)
Kitchener, Andrew C
Abstract
Across the UK, museums and collections do not currently have standard procedures or guidelines for allowing researchers to access and utilise their physical collections, specifically artefacts and ecofacts. This results in inconsistency of requirements and expectations which is problematic for both researchers and curators, jeopardising professional relationships, and ultimately resulting in loss of unique cultural heritage. Punitive measures from collection managers against responsible institutions frequently detriment other researchers beyond those at fault, limiting future research opportunities. However, these interactions have the potential to be mutually beneficial instead: museums which demonstrate active use of their collections can receive increased funding and resources, while researchers gain necessary access to materials and publication opportunities with the collection. However, exchanges such as these must be based on successful communication and engagement, utilising effective professional techniques and developing personal abilities. This issue must be addressed, and we will do so through our ‘Access to Artefacts’ workshop: the workshop will build on ongoing conversations from both groups to understand requirements, and enable more successful collaborations between collections and researchers through the establishment of general national guidelines, which will be sustainable for future generations of researchers.
Event title
Access to artefacts - Collaborations between collections and researchers
Publisher
University of Exeter
Rights statement
In Copyright