Collections Management Systems at Natural History Museums: A Centralized Approach

<p>Natural history museum collections are an invaluable learning tool for audiences of many ages. However, learning experiences can be hampered if collections are poorly managed. Inconsistent object numbering systems, scant information associated with a specimen, and differences in records management styles of individuals in the same organization all stem from the lack of collections management standards set forth by some institutions. Natural history museums historically manage their collections in a decentralized manner, with each collections department responsible for its own objects, managing records as the staff sees fit. This report advocates for the unification of collections in natural history museums in order to centralize accessioning methods and optimize record entry. By means of a literature review, project proposal, and action plan, the report argues that unification of collections in natural history museums will enable them to meet their missions of public education.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Museum Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Project/Capstone - Global access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Museum Studies

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Pohl, Allison M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stephanie A. Brown

• Collections Management
• Natural History Museums
• Unification
• Centralization
• Decentralized
• Museum Studies
• California Academy of Sciences
• Other Arts and Humanities

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/472

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:capstone-1496