Basiscollectie

Basiscollectie is a term used in libraries, museums, and other cultural and information institutions to describe a foundational set of items that represents the essential holdings needed to cover a subject, region, period, or domain. It functions as a core backbone of the collection, intended to support study, reference, education, and long-term preservation.

The basiscollectie serves several purposes. It provides a stable, accessible core that can be used by researchers and the public, guides collection development and budget decisions, and helps with planning digitization and conservation priorities. By defining a minimum viable set, institutions can ensure broad coverage even when resources are limited and can identify gaps for future acquisition.

Selection criteria for a basiscollectie often include significance and representativeness, condition and conservation needs, provenance and rights, relevance to the institution’s mission, and the potential for research or public value. The process typically involves curators, librarians, conservators, and stakeholders, and results in a policy or catalog that is reviewed and updated periodically.

Implementation varies by sector. In a library, a basiscollectie may focus on foundational reference works and core texts in a discipline; in a museum, it may focus on representative objects that illustrate a region or theme. Regular assessment and clear documentation are essential to maintain the relevance and usefulness of the basiscollectie.