Leadership in museums: Educating the board of directors about museum collection and management ethics

Museum Trustees must be educated about ethical issues. The Board of Trustees is the highest level of governing authority within the hierarchal administration of the museum. The Trustee as volunteer, advisor, and consultant occupies an elevated place of importance in setting policy for governing the museum. In fulfilling these duties, it is essential to the museum and individual Trustees that they follow high professional standards of conduct in carrying out their Board responsibilities. All Trustees must understand the role a code of ethics plays in their governing of the modern-day museum. In overseeing collection management, whether it encompasses architectural materials, decorative arts, fine art, or the natural sciences, Trustees must be aware that the objects held in "trust" by the museum are one of a kind and/or possess historical significance. The acquisition, conservation, security, and management of the collection are some of the many important responsibilities, directly or indirectly, that fall to Trustees as they set policy for the museum. All sound decisions concerning collections management are built upon a foundation of ethics. This thesis provides insight and study into museum ethical practices pertaining to collections and the unique role Trustees play in this ethical decision-making. Through the use of varied research materials, it provides an overview of current practices and offers suggestions for successful museum ethical practices pertaining to collections.