What will be covered?

Many museums do not have a sufficient inventory of their collections, leaving themselves open to security risks and uncertain ownership, and struggle to understand the minimum information required when tackling their backlogs.

During 2017 the team at Collections Trust developed an updated version of the Spectrum standard, following extensive consultation from the museum sector. The improved Inventory procedure in Spectrum 5.0 has been developed to help museums identify and resolve their backlogs, making the requirements for Accreditation much clearer. In this workshop, we will explore the minimum level of inventory information needed for each object (or group of objects), to ensure accountability. This minimum information also helps museums mitigate risks including security, ethical and legal risks. We will also explore other key changes to the Spectrum standard, including effective Documentation Planning.

This session is being run in partnership between Museum Development Yorkshire and the Collections Trust. The Collections Trust offer free training and advice through their ACE-funded outreach programme, working closely with the museum development network.

The session will be led by Sarah Brown. Sarah is the face of Collections Trust around the country, and works closely with the museum development network across the English regions to deliver free, ACE-funded events on a range of collections management topics. Sarah is the person to contact with your collection management queries.

Who should attend?

• Staff and volunteers involved in collections management and documentation planning

• Those new to the Spectrum standard or in need of a refresher

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided on the day. Catering facilities are available at local cafes. Please feel free to bring your own lunch.