Best Practices for Managing Federal Museum Collections

Section C. - Manage for the Long-Term

C-6 Know the security requirements for objects in your Federal museum collections

While government-wide ethical standards require Federal employees to care for all Federal property, some items in Federal collections require special attention.

Items with high monetary value may be especially vulnerable to theft. The same is true of items highly valued by collectors for their rarity.

Rare scientific specimens and historical items with unique associations also require special attention to prevent loss or damage.

"Upgrading to stay ahead (US museum thefts)"
http://www.jasonkaufman.com/articles/us_museums_meet_the_challenge_of.htm

Steven R. Keller and Associates, Inc
Suggested guidelines for museum security
http://www.stevekeller.com/steve/pdf_files/SecurityStandards/GuidelinesRev97.pdf

International Committee for Museum Security
http://user.chollian.net/~pll/public_html/icms/

Department of the Interior (DOI)
Abstract on Scientific Smuggling, Opportunities for Federally Associated Collection, 1998
http://www.doi.gov/museum/fedcoll2/sess5.html
Museum Property Handbook
Chapter 11- Museum Property Security and Fire Protection"
http://www.doi.gov/museum/policy/pdf/mphi-11.pdf

National Park Service (NPS)
Fire Protection and Security (National Park Service)
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/Chapter%209.pdf
Conserve O Gram
"Checklist For Planning The Shipment Of Museum Objects"
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/17-01.pdf