Deaccessioning Museum Objects: Transparency and Ethics in Disposal Practice

Deaccessioning Museum Objects is an innovative exploration of museum collections management practice and the ethical complexities of object disposal within the contemporary social context.

Disposal of objects from museum collections aids in the creation of dynamic and sustainable institutions but can be perceived as a betrayal of public trust and professional duty. Written by an experienced museum professional and researcher, Jennifer Durrant delves into the historical development of disposal to offer insight into the fundamental transience of museum collections. Durrant explains the ethical timeliness and social responsibility of object removal, presenting real-life examples and practical models for transparency creation to show how deaccessioning can be brought to public view and understanding. Emphasising the interaction between professional practice, personal action, and the centrality of conscious reflection, Durrant helpfully investigates what ’open and honest’ working entails and explores the creation of transparency to museum practices through the lens of disposal.

The combination of theory and practice within Deaccessioning Museum Objects is essential reading for academics and students of museums and heritage, and practitioners in museums, galleries, libraries, and archives around the world.

Dr Jennifer Durrant is a sector leader in collections review and disposal, with over 20 years of professional experience in museums and heritage. In 2022 she attained her PhD Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. Her research interests encompass collections history, object meaning and use, and the humanity within the professional task. She is a curatorial and collections management specialist, an independent consultant, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the Museums Association Ethics Committee.