deaccessions

Deaccessions refers to the formal process by which museums, libraries, archives, and other collecting institutions remove an item from their permanent collections. It is the counterpart to accessioning and is governed by institutional policy, legal requirements, and professional standards. Common reasons for deaccession include redundancy, deterioration beyond feasible conservation, re-evaluation of an item’s relevance to institutional mission, ethical considerations such as repatriation, and transfer to a more suitable steward.

Procedures typically require thorough documentation of an object’s history, provenance, and condition; review and approval by designated staff or governing bodies; and transparent disposition methods. Disposition options include transfer to another public institution, exchange, sale through public auction or private sale, repatriation to source communities, donation, or, in rare cases, destruction when no alternative exists.

Deaccessioning raises ethical and legal issues. Professional associations often restrict the use of proceeds to the acquisition of new collection items or for direct care of collections, and they emphasize avoidance of conflicts of interest, independent appraisal, and public accountability. High-profile controversies have arisen when institutions sold objects to cover operating costs, leading to criticism, sanctions, or loss of public trust. Best practices encourage clear policy, community engagement where appropriate, rigorous record-keeping, and compliance with national laws and international conventions.