Developing a Collections Management Policy

4-Week Course Starts JUN 09, 2025

Course Description:

Unlock the secrets to creating an effective and comprehensive Collections Management Policy with this in-depth course. Designed for museum professionals, librarians, archivists, and cultural heritage managers, this course provides a step-by-step guide to developing a policy that will safeguard your collection while ensuring its accessibility and relevance.
Through lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises, you will gain practical skills and insights into crafting a policy that reflects your institution’s values and meets professional standards. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to draft, implement, and manage a robust Collections Management Policy that enhances the stewardship of your collection.


Learning Objectives:

Throughout the course, you'll explore the essential components of a successful Collections Management Policy, including:
Introduction to Collections Management: Understand the foundational principles of collections management and the role of policies in preserving and managing collections effectively.
Policy Framework and Structure: Learn how to structure your policy, including the essential sections such as mission statements, scope of collections, and collection development strategies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Delve into the legal and ethical issues related to collections management, including ownership, provenance, and deaccessioning.
Acquisition and Deaccessioning Policies: Develop guidelines for acquiring new items and responsibly deaccessioning those that no longer fit within the collection's scope.

Access and Use: Formulate policies for public access, research use, and digital access, balancing public engagement with preservation concerns.

Review and Updates: Learn best practices for regularly reviewing and updating your policy to adapt to changes in the field and ensure ongoing relevance.


Total Course Hours: 10 Hours/ 1 CEU

Your Instructor


Andrea Squeri
Andrea Squeri

Andrea Squeri is the Collections Manager at The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, & Carriages (LIM), located in Stony Brook, New York. As the Collections Manager, Andrea maintains the vast collection of approximately 75,000 objects at LIM with the curatorial team by leading rehousing and inventorying projects and completing procedures for new accessions and deaccessions. She also conducts necessary registrar work regarding loans, both incoming and outgoing, and other exhibition needs from preparation, to installation, and deinstallation.


Andrea's interest in teaching began with being a mentor for others and seeing them succeed in their goals. She received her master’s in museum studies from John Hopkins University where she concentrated on collection and curatorial centered courses. Andrea is passionate about all aspects of collections management and preservation, along with being an avid book reader, a cat lover, and an aerial fitness enthusiast.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on JUN 09, 2025,
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 4 weeks. Participants will spend approximately 2.5 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes, and completing discussion, reading, and written assignments. It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for enrollment?
Enrollment ends on Friday, JUN 6th.
Will the instructor be available to answer any questions?
Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email or phone for any questions you may have. A discussion forum is also available where participants can post questions.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must: 1. View all lectures 2. Answer all quizzes 3. Complete all assignments When you complete these three items you can expect to receive you certificate within 2 weeks.
I am having trouble enrolling. Please help!
We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
2. Email us at info@preservethis.org for an invoice. This will be emailed to you and you can pay through the link provided in the invoice.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

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