Session 4: MUSEUM ETHICS AND STANDARDS
Moderator: Betty Empson, Property Management Specialist, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior

Collections Management Ethics - A Tool for Cooperation and Understanding
Nicola Ladkin, Registrar, Museum of Texas Tech University

1. Collections ethics
   1. Collections ethics are dynamic. Example: Archeologists used to turn over objects without field notes to museums. Now unethical, field notes and archeological items are now one.
   2. Accession objects with only a clear title, and objects for which you can provide good care.
   3. AAM standards are the highest, ICOM reiterates AAM concerns - together clearly state requirements and provide foundation for institutions, a specific code of ethics. Agencies should avoid partnerships with institutions that cannot meet ethical standards. Need common ground, uniform ethical code.
   4. Treat all collections equally, no second or third-class collections.

Evolving Standards and Practices in the Field
Bonnie Pitman, Chair, AAM Accreditation Commission

1. Why should your institution be accredited?
   1. AAM accreditation is an international standard, a common language
   2. 780 museums are currently accredited
   3. Accreditation is a powerful tool. Example: University of California, Berkeley's Art Museum was in awful shape when Bonnie Pitman became director. When it rained there were several buckets, with marked places, that would catch the water that leaked through the ceiling. Bonnie used the AAM accreditation process to obtain an upgrade for her collection facilities. Leveraged a bureaucratic environment with accreditation.
   
   
2. How does your museum become accredited?
   1. Process take 2-3 years
   2. MAP- Museum Assessment Program
      1. MAP 1- Overall assessment of your museum
      2. MAP 2- Focuses on collections
      3. MAP 3- Looks at public dimension, relationship between community and museum
   3. AAM has a video on accreditation explaining how your museum is accredited ($20.00 fee for video)
   4. Seven members on commission (Six year appointment with an option to renew)
   5. Cost
      1. $170.00 annual fee
      2. Cost to fly out visiting committee
   6. AAM accreditation is a six year appointment with an option to renew