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Museum Collections Management

Collections Management consists of the Collections Manager/Chief Registrar, Registrar/Archivist and the Department Assistant. We are responsible for documenting, researching and protecting the museum’s collection.

Our work includes:

  • Accessioning—the process of accepting new objects into the collection through cataloging, photographing and numbering. We use KE-EMu collections management software to record catalog information, store digital images and track locations. 
  • Digitization—in addition to digitally photographing all new accessions, we have worked with the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library to provide over 1,000 images for the InfoZone project. In 2010, the Museum embarked on a partnership with Wikipedia’s GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) initiative to provide digital images and research information for Wikipedia articles.
  • Deaccessioning—the process by which objects leave the Museum’s collection. Curators select objects for removal due to irrelevance to the Museum’s mission, duplicates in the collection or poor condition. Once the Board has approved the deaccession proposals, the Registrars work with the Curators to locate auction houses for objects being sold or receiving organizations for objects being donated.
  • Loans—the Museum borrows hundreds of objects each year in addition to loaning our objects to other institutions. We coordinate the loan agreements, secure insurance, arrange the shipping/receiving, safely pack the objects, provide the condition reporting and install the objects in the galleries.
  • Inventory—working with Curatorial staff, we ensure that objects are safely stored and that accurate locations are maintained and updated. We have used RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to update and record locations.
  • Archives—the Museum maintains historical records and photographs relating to the Museum’s history and we provide information and access to these records.
  • Photographs—the Museum sells images of the objects in its collection for publication.  Requests for images go to the Vice President of Operations and General Counsel.