In this session about ownership, we will focus on the Spectrum 5.1 procedures involved in assessing and documenting new acquisitions, focusing on two primary procedures:

Object entry - Logging all objects coming into your care for whatever reason, including loans, enquiries and potential acquisitions.

Acquisition and accessioning - Taking legal ownership of objects, especially (but not always) to add to your long-term collection through the process of accessioning: the formal commitment by your governing body to care for objects over the long term.

We will examine topics such as due diligence, ethics, policy driven decision-making, and recording written evidence of transfer of title.

Please note – this session focuses on managing and documenting upcoming acquisitions and will not cover resolving historic issues.

By the end of the session, delegates will:

• Understand which Spectrum procedures are most relevant to ownership and how they might work together.
• Understand the role of the Spectrum standard in relation to museum Accreditation.
• Know where to find more information and guidance.