Deaccessioning Museum Objects: Transparency and Ethics in Disposal Practice

by Jennifer Durrant

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032618425
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/11/2025
Series:	Museums in Focus
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

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 obtained her PhD in 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.

Table of Contents

1. Objects, Lives, and Language; 2. The History and Development of Disposal; 3. The Ethical Imperative for Disposal and Transparency; 4. Making it Relevant; 5. Transparency, Risk, and Relationships; 6. Changing Future Perceptions and Timelines

Editorial Reviews

Deaccessioning Museum Objects is refreshingly grounded in a well-balanced discussion of practice and theory. Jennifer Durrant presents the often-knotty issue of disposal from museum collections with great clarity and insight. It should be a key reference for museum professionals.

Alice Stevenson, Professor, UCL Institute of Archaeology

I confidently recommend this book. Jennifer Durrant explores complex issues surrounding the management of museum collections in a clear and practical way, making the subject much easier to understand.  She provides a strong ethical narrative, supported by comprehensive case studies.

Janet Ulph, Professor, University of Leicester

This is an innovative and theoretically sophisticated account of disposal. Durrant unpicks past and present practices to offer new sector-focused recommendations for transparent communication. Pushing forward wider discussion of this crucial element of collections management, it is essential reading for students, scholars, and practitioners.

Jennie Morgan, Senior Lecturer, University of Stirling

Durrant ably integrates, and advocates for, combined attention to values, ethics, creativity and transparency of disposal. Deaccessioning Museum Objects offers innovative approaches for museums small and large, of any genre, seeking to serve their audiences in responsible, sustainable, and engaged ways.

Cara Krmpotich, Professor, Museum Studies, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto

Dr Durrant's work on museums, collecting and ethics is always thoughtful and practical and this book will be as much use in the curatorial office as in the university library.

Michael Terwey, Director of Public Engagement & Research, National Trust for Scotland and Chair of the Museum Association's Ethics Committee

A must read for anyone working in this area. One highlight is the acknowledgement of people, in what has been long thought of as an object process. Durrant advocates working sensitively with communities to maintain trust, and articulates the emotional impact of disposal on the workforce.

Tamsin Russell, Museums Association

In this ground-breaking study, Dr. Durrant redefines ethical collections management to meet the needs of society today. With a measured, analytical approach, she offers new ways forward to one of the most vexing and misunderstood practices of museum work: disposal. Her insightful, nuanced and persuasive arguments enrich our understanding of museum transparency and risk mitigation while demonstrating the ethical imperative of transparent collections-driven disposal today. Deaccessioning Museum Objects is essential reading for museum, library and archives practitioners, as well as students and academics researching collecting institutions of all kinds.

Janet Marstine

 

From the Publisher