Fiducial accountability for collections : a comparison of traditional and non-traditional museums.

The fiducial accountability of traditional and non-traditional museums regarding non-living biological collections is clarified through a historical review of natural history museums, botanical gardens, and zoological gardens, and an examination of their mandating documents, such as articles of incorporation, enabling legislation, bylaws, mission statements, and professional codes of ethics. The mandating documents lack both consistency and substantial support for collections. This lack of legal accountability for collections has the potential to seriously undermine collection integrity, institutional and professional identity, and the public trust. Recommendations are made to further address the issue of fiducial responsibility, including further study, institutional oversight, and professional oversight.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Holt, Jennifer L.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Williams, Stephen L., 1948-

• Museums -- Collection management.
• Museums -- Management -- Moral and ethical aspects.
• Natural history museums -- Collection management.
• Botanical gardens.
• Zoos.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13495

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13495