A fully developed Collections Management Policy (CMP) incorporates all aspects of collections administration, allowing management to demonstrate diligence when considering the museum’s position on all collections-related activities. Establishing governance standards, mission-oriented goals, and principles, CMPs offer comprehensive and practical instruction on the use and administration of objects to guarantee prudent and informed decision-making.
Accreditation by national professional organizations requires collecting institutions to maintain a current, approved, comprehensive collections management policy that actively guides collections stewardship. While tailored to the specific discipline and organizational structure of the individual unit and its collections, several general components apply to all museums.
