DEBATE ON DEACCESSIONING

Debate on Deaccessioning

Debate on Deaccessioning

The term 'Deaccessioning' basically describes a process through which a record that was accessioned into an archive records is permanently removed from the records. Hence, a material is said to be deaccessioned when it is formally removed from archived record. Deaccession also occurs when there is a legal transfer of ownership of an Archived record or when it is disposed of permanently. The deaccession of archived materials and manuscripts is controlled by a wide range of rules and regulations. These regulations are starkly different when compared with those for general archive records. The regulations are put into effect in order to ensure that the preservation and primacy of the original format of archives is maintained.

Archives assess all the materials and archives before they accept them into their records. This is mainly because of the preservation and primacy of the materials in the original format and the important role that archives play as repositories for the rich heritage of different cultures. Therefore, the assessment of archives before the accession process is carried out mainly to ensure that the likelihood of deaccession is significantly decreased. However, even with the assessment and high level of care that an archive takes during the accession process, there are a number of reasons why deaccessioning of materials held by an archive becomes necessary. Some of these reasons are highlighted below:

In order to establish purpose and order to the records

It is beyond the scope of the records

The costs related to the conservation and storage of the material is prohibitive

There is a limited amount of space for storing the material

There is a duplication of the existing material

The material can be replaced with a better example

A significant deterioration has taken place that has rendered the material useless

There is a lack of physical integrity as a result of loss of documentation

As a result of repatriation

There have been several debates over the past years on whether deaccession of priceless and rare archives and Art pieces should be carried out by archives. Although it is true that deaccession becomes necessary at times, it is also right to say that the regulations of deaccession have often been misused by people to further their own agenda of monetary gains. The debate over the right of deaccession was sparked by the sale of two highly valuable paintings that were under the ownership of the New York National Academy. The academy sold two of its most popular American masterpieces by Sanford Robinson Gifford and Frederic Edwin Church.

The two paintings, both of which were an important part of the records of the National Academy were sold off to a private foundation with the assistance of an anonymous dealer. The proceeds from the sale were to be used in the renovation and maintenance of the gallery, along with various other programs, fundraising initiatives and operations. The Association of Art Archive Directors promulgates a range of ethical standards that clearly stipulate that the sale proceeds from an archive of Art should strictly be used ...