A practical introduction bringing together papers discussing some of the major issues affecting collections management in the 1990s.

Collections management is a fundamental part of museum work, yet recently the poor state of museum collections has been highlighted, especially in terms of physical care and documentation. As a response, there has been emphasis upon the development of standards for collections management. This text brings together recent papers discussing some of the issues affecting collections management in the 1990s. It identifies the main issues relating to collections and looks at why museums should develop appropriate documentation systems. The book also examines the status of research within museums, the various sources of advice relating to security and addresses the basics of insurance and indemnity.