The University Museums of the University of Delaware is currently in the process of revising their collections Management Policy in order to address recent expansion to include the UD
Permanent Art Collection, the Mineralogical Museum, and the Paul Jones Collection. Jan
Broske shared with me the existing policy for the University Gallery, but asked that it not be posted or circulated due to the upcoming changes. I do have a copy on file, which can be reviewed by individual members of the committee. I am also including an outline of the document here, with annotations for some sections that could be most pertinent to us. The
Governance section is highlighted since it is the next section in our own policy that we will be drafting.--Nedda
I.
Introduction
II.
Purposes of the Gallery a.
Professional development for students b.
Promote excellence in arts and humanities through education/exhibitions for UD community and public c.
Acquire, preserve, and present collections for purpose of teaching with original objects
III.
Governance
“The ultimate powers of jurisdiction for the University Gallery rest with the Board of
Trustees of the U of D. The Gallery administers its collections within the structure of the College of Arts and Sciences, and reports to the Dean. Most consistently regulated stewardship is provided by the Gallery Advisory Committee. The Committee, which has no fiduciary responsibilities, consists of the chair people of the Departments of
Anthropology, Art, Art History, and History as well as the directors of the Museum
Studies Program and the University Gallery. The director of the University Gallery serves as the chair of the committee. The Gallery Advisory Committee sets policy guidelines and has authority for all aspects of collections management. The primary responsibility for the implementation and daily applications of the policies set forth rest with the director of the University Gallery.”
IV.
Scope of Collections
V.
Accessions a.
Authority i.
Director recommends objects to Gallery Advisory Committee ii.
Decision forwarded to President who signs off on recommendation document iii.
Gallery Director communicates with donor iv.
Dean, Treasurer, and Development are notified b.
Conditions for Acceptance i.
Only considered if relevant ii.
Must have ability to care for objects and make available for educational use. iii.
Must have clear title. c.
Documentation i.
Use Deed of Gift form

ii.
Complete necessary registration forms for collections records
VI.
Deaccessions
VII.
Loans a.
Criteria for loans b.
Regulations (insurance, packing, timing, etc.) c.
Documentation
VIII.
Documentation and Inventory a.
Assistant Curator maintains all records b.
All objects have an accession number and collections worksheets c.
Inventory taken periodically d.
Goal of digitizing records
IX.
Care and Conservation a.
Strives to maintain highest standards of collections care b.
All conservation treatments done in accordance with American Institute of
Conservation guidelines
X.
Risk Management and Insurance a.
Protective systems are maintained b.
Collections insured against risk
XI.
Access a.
Access granted to members of UD community and public; regulations vary slightly for internal versus public access b.
Gallery Director evaluates credentials, demands on staff, and benefits of the proposed research/researcher c.
All requests in writing with a minimum of 24 hours notice. d.
Certain information (provenance, appraised valued, etc.) may be restricted from view e.
Charges for photocopying, staff time, and photography may be considered.
XII.
Appendices (note: these were not in the document Jan sent me) a.
Board of Trustees b.
Description of University Gallery collection c.
Outline of Collections Management Responsibilities d.
Questionnaire for Faculty e.
Recommended for Acquisition Checklist f.
Provenance Form g.
Personal Collecting by Employees h.
Accession Checklist i.
Deed of Gift Form j.
Recommend for Deaccession Checklist k.
Deaccession Form l.
Loan Agreement m.
Gallery Receipt n.
Cataloguing Worksheets o.
Object Movement Form p.
Condition Report Form