Week 2 discussion notes

Role of Museums and Professional Ethics
ICOM ch.1*
Macdonald, Chapters 25-26
Kavanagh, Part 6: Codes of Ethical Conduct

What is the role of the museum in society? How has this role changed as reflected in shifting definitions of the museum and shifting obligations outlined in professional ethics?

To what extent does the museum profession conform to notions of a profession?

How is museum practice controlled or influenced by codes of conduct and ethics?


Look at the codes in Kavanaugh. Compare the codes for contents and details, similarities and differences, exclusions and inclusions. What are the priorities of these codes? Are they different? Who were these codes written for? How do these documents work within museums?

Besterman – 435 – “intergenerational stakeholder” – unpack and discuss

Read three news articles at the break (one per student) and discuss ethical consideration in each.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-history4sep04,0,3248493.story?coll=la-home-world

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-rosenbaum4sep04,0,7124279.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

file:///Users/jmgorman/Desktop/MUSEUM%20PRACTICES/ethics%20papers/PrinterFriendlyPopup.aspx.webarchive

Ethical situations and case studies.

1. You are the curator of a social history gallery and have a large collection of photographs and negatives, from a business that has operated in your area for over 70 years. Some of the photos are very striking, particularly those of children and you use them in your social history gallery in an interactive program on a new leaflet.
2. The nat hist collection for which you are responsible is stored in a damp basement and you know it is deteriorating rapidly. Your museum has become much more interested in active environmental work and has not exhibited any stuffed specimens for at least ten years.
3. Apulian krater example
4. Houston fine arts example
5. Lydian horde from Genoways and Ireland