Transparency and Ethics in Disposal Practice

Deaccessioning Museum Objects explores disposal as a museum practice and explores the ethical timeliness of deaccessioning within the current social context.

Deaccessioning Museum Objects is an innovative exploration of museum collections management practice and the ethical complexities of object disposal within the contemporary social context.

Disposal of objects from museum collections aids in the creation of dynamic and sustainable institutions but can be perceived as a betrayal of public trust and professional duty. Written by an experienced museum professional and researcher, Jennifer Durrant delves into the historical development of disposal to offer insight into the fundamental transience of museum collections. Durrant explains the ethical timeliness and social responsibility of object removal, presenting real‑life examples and practical models for transparency creation to show how deaccessioning can be brought to public view and understanding. Emphasising the interaction between professional practice, personal action, and the centrality of conscious reflection, Durrant helpfully investigates what ‘open and honest’ working entails and explores the creation of transparency to museum practices through the lens of disposal.

The combination of theory and practice within Deaccessioning Museum Objects is essential reading for academics and students of museums and heritage, and practitioners in museums, galleries, libraries, and archives around the world.