Collections Trust and BSI British Standards have published a new standard for the management of cultural collections in archives, galleries, libraries and museums.
PAS 197: 2009 Code of practice for cultural collections management provides recommendations on the provision, implementation and maintenance of a collections management framework and has been designed for use by organizations of any size and complexity.
Developed by a Steering Group of leading industry experts in consultation with 200 heritage practitioners, PAS 197 describes the framework of principles needed to manage cultural collections. It details the fundamentals of collections development, collections information, collections access and collections care and conservation.
As well as assisting practitioners and enabling top management to take a strategic view of collections management, PAS 197 will be of use to sponsoring and funding bodies, auditors and others who need to understand the diversity of activities involved in managing a collection.
Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, said, “Archives, libraries and museums in the UK hold some of the world’s richest collections of cultural material. We hold these collections in trust on behalf of society, to manage them professionally and to maximize the opportunities for people of all ages and cultures to engage with them, actively and creatively. I commend the BSI code of practice for collections management to senior staff, funders and policymakers throughout the UK and internationally.”
Nick Poole, Chief Executive of Collections Trust, said, “The publication of PAS 197 represents a great leap forwards in professional standards for archives, libraries and museums. Modern audiences demand sophisticated, well-managed cultural institutions and Collections Management is the foundation-stone for delivering what they want.
Building on a decade of knowledge and experience, PAS 197 represents a unique coming-together of cultural sectors. At its heart is a revolutionary, holistic approach to the management of different kinds of material to meet the ever-changing needs of our audiences.”
Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, said, “PAS 197 brings together the fundamentals which will assist practitioners in managing access and ensuring business performance while caring for the collection. The standard incorporates elements of existing management systems for quality, the environment and health and safety which are widely used across business and non-profit organizations.”
PAS 197 is available from www.bsigroup.com/PAS197
- ENDS -
About BSI British Standards
BSI British Standards is the UK’s National Standards Body, recognized globally for its independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards and information products that promote and share best practice. BSI works with businesses, consumers and government to represent UK interests and to make sure that British, European and international standards are useful, relevant and authoritative. For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com/britishstandards.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com.
