New Code of Ethics and what is a museum?

Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society. Museums Association definition of a museum. Update: The Museums Association has just issued Additional Guidance for the new Code of Ethics. At the last AGM of… Continue reading New Code of Ethics and what is a museum?

Debate: Should museums charge for entry? #museumhour

Update: This debate has now happened. You can explore it on Storify. Essential info: Q: Should Museums Charge for Entry? Meet: 20:00 UK time, Monday 11 April 2016, on Twitter. Follow: @museumhour and @AIMuseums. Hashtags:  #museumhour #museumcharge. On 11 April at 20:00 BST (UK time) Museum Hour is debating the thorny and loaded question of entry… Continue reading Debate: Should museums charge for entry? #museumhour

Ethics: Is it acceptable to use illicit material for academic research?

This ethics question was originally posed by Caitlin Griffiths of the Museums Association in September 2006. I was undertaking continuing professional development for my AMA (Associateship of the Museums Association) at the time and felt, with my role in both academic research and heritage, that I had strong views on the subject. My response was… Continue reading Ethics: Is it acceptable to use illicit material for academic research?