Integrated Collection Management: an investigation into combining collection significance assessment and risk assessment for training purposes

In 2010, an investigation titled ‘Integrated Collection Management’ was conducted into aspects of collection significance assessment and risk assessment in the museological fields of museum studies and materials conservation. Alongside literature review and subject expert consultation, a survey of tertiary course coordinators entitled ‘Collections Management in Focus’ was undertaken. The purpose of this article is to present the salient findings of the survey, set in the context of the larger study. The survey revealed evidence of considerable cross-disciplinary awareness, but also some misunderstandings about the two assessment methods and repeated statements about inability to cover all burgeoning collection management topics fully in courses. The author suggests that a standardised curriculum for at least significance assessment and risk assessment components of collection management courses may benefit teachers, students, employers and the museum profession.