A New Standard for Collections Management
6th May, 2008
The Collections Trust and BSI British Standards have entered into partnership to create a new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for the management of cultural collections.Due for launch in September 2008, the new standard will provide a sector-wide definition of Collections Management to inform the next generation of products and services to practitioners.
Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, said, 'BSI is delighted to be working with the Collections Trust on a new standard for the culture sector. The PAS will provide museums, archives and libraries with clear direction on the development of policies and practice on the acquisition and use of collections. This is a great step for cultural institutions across the UK.'
Nick Poole, Chief Executive of the Collections Trust, commented, 'The development of this new standard reflects a quiet revolution in the culture sector. A new generation of practitioners and volunteers are looking for a practical, proportionate and integrated approach to managing their collections. Working with BSI gives us an opportunity to help define the future of Collections Management, and to be confident in our processes and practices.
The BSI PAS is the first of a series of important developments for the Collections Trust over the next 12 months. Our aim is to support the sector as it continues to become more professional, accountable and efficient in the management of collections and the delivery of services to consumers.'
The PAS is intended to integrate with and improve on existing professional standards in the sector. The Collections Trust and BSI are working together to set out a programme of consultation with the sector, and further information on this will be circulated shortly.
Further information about the development of the PAS is available online at www.bsigroup.com/PAS197
