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Preservation of Natural History
Collections:
Minerals and
Rocks
Mineralogical Society of America
Policy Statement
Mineral and rock collections are foundations for
the study of our planet. Their preservation is critical to retaining a record �
often the only record � of deposits and outcrops that define Earth's history and
processes. Colleges, universities, and museums that have sponsored the creation
of geological collections also have a responsibility for maintaining them. This
obligation includes sustaining the physical integrity of samples, organizing
them within a professionally accepted intellectual framework, and making them
accessible for scientific research and education. Given these responsibilities,
the institution should have a written management/policy statement to instruct
current and future staff and provide a clear guide to the disposition of the
collection in all circumstances. In the event that an institution deems the
collection no longer relevant to the pursuit of its mission or it cannot
adequately maintain the collection, then following the policy statement will
provide the mechanisms that both maximize the probability of the preservation
and use of the collection as originally intended and minimize liability for any
claims of mismanagement. If deaccession (sale or gift) becomes necessary, the
entire process should be widely publicized from the start. Transparency and
counsel by many is the best guarantee that the goals of preservation of the
collections and their accessibility to scientists and the public will continue
to be met.
Those who are seeking advice on the disposition of mineral or geological
collections at risk can contact the Society of Mineral Museum Professionals,
which has a committee on collections, dedicated to providing assistance with
respect to collections at risk.
Link to policy statement on MSA website. |
