Why Do We Have It? A Significance Process And Template
Why do we have it? A Significance Process and TemplateCyMALMuseums Archives and Libraries Wales
AcknowledgementsThere have been considerable developments both nationally and internationally indeveloping models for determining the significance of collections and objects. We havespecifically considered the Collections Council of Australia (CCA) Model: Significance 2.0 andreferred to the work carried out by Caroline Reed for Renaissance East Midlands (REM) andthe Collections Trust on their Reviewing Significance Framework. The work of AmgueddfaCymru – National Museum of Wales, on a Levels of Accessioning Matrix, providedinformation towards this approach.In particular we would like to thank: Abergavenny Museum – Megan DeSilva and Rachael Rogers; Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales (AC-NMW) – The members of the levelsof accessioning group (in turn, they are grateful to Hampshire Museum Service and theexample of their matrix grid); Carmarthenshire County Museum – Ann Dorsett; Caroline Reed; Collections Trust; Conwy Museums Service – Helen Bradley; Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery – Scott Reid; Peter Alexander; Peter J. David, and Significance International – Veronica Bullock.Digital ISBN: 978-0-7504-8021-5 Crown Copyright 2013WG162682
Part 1: Background51. Introduction2. Definition of significance3. Why significance?4. Strategic context4.1 A Museums Strategy for Wales567885. Professional standards5.1 The UK Accreditation Scheme5.2 PAS 197: 2009 Code of practice for cultural collections management5.3 SPECTRUM 4.05.4 Museums Association Code of Ethics5.5 The definition of significance in European standards99991010Part 2: The process116. The significance assessment criteria6.1 The four key values6.2 The four comparative criteria6.3 The degree of significance111212137. Methods of assigning significance7.1 Significance matrix7.2 Full significance assessment1414148. The significance matrix in detail8.1 What can I use it for?8.2 Who can carry out a matrix assessment?8.3 Using the matrix8.4 Significance matrix main steps8.5 Combinations of significance8.6 Definitions8.7 Matrix grid8.8 Matrix key1515151515161718193
9. The full significance process and templateCase Study: Merthyr Tydfil Museum Service Ceramics CollectionCase Study: Carmarthenshire County Museum John Francis Lloyd Photograph Collection9.1 Where can the information be stored?9.2 What can be assessed?9.3 Backlogs9.4 Who can carry out the assessment?2020202121212110. Main Steps for the full significance assessment10.1 Analyse the object / collection10.2 Condition assessment10.3 Research and background10.4 Compare: Related places and items10.5 Assign significance against the criteria232323242525Part 3: The template2711. Write your statement of significance12. What next?13. References14. Bibliography15. WebsitesMatrix GridAppendices273232333334-3536i. Significance 2.036ii. REM. Reviewing Significance: a framework for assessing museum collections’ 36significance, management and useiii. Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales (AC-NMW): Significance assessment 37grid and levels of accessioning matrix4
Part 1. Background1. IntroductionHow can we decide what to collect andwhat not to collect unless we understandthe significance of the items offered?How can we make decisions about the careand development of our collections if wedo not understand the significance of whatwe hold?If we do not understand the significance ofour collections, how can we communicatetheir meaning to others?This document has been designed to helporganisations address the questions raisedabove and provides two straightforwardapproaches to assessing significance.The first is the significance matrix, whichis designed to be applied to all types ofobjects and collections. The second is thefull significance assessment, which requiresmore in depth research to support theclassification of significance.The significance of an object or collection isdefined by considering four key values: Historic Artistic / Aesthetic Social Scientific / TechnologicalAgainst four comparative criteria: Provenance Rarity or RepresentativenessSignificance assessments recognise thewider context of an object or collectionand reflect the values assigned to them.They collate relevant information and bringit together in one place. This creates abody of information that has many uses insupporting collection management decisionsand can aid in effective collecting over thelong-term.In particular, significance can help decisionmaking in: Accessioning; De-accessioning; Resource management; Collection reviews; Developing exhibitions; Prioritising work; Conservation project planning; Salvage priorities, and Making funding bids.The process of assigning significance shouldcomplement and expand on existingdocumentation activity. Assessments shouldinform an institution’s development of theircollections, which should in turn feed intothe wider strategic planning framework.There is an increased expectation fromgoverning bodies and funders thatcollecting institutions understand and areable to articulate the significance of theircollections. This toolkit is offered as an aidto help collecting institutions meet thoseexpectations. Condition or Completeness Interpretive capacityThe process of assigning significance will bedescribed in more detail in part two of thisdocument.5
2. Definition of significanceSignificance establishes, defines andcommunicates all the cultural values andmeaning that people and communitiesassign to objects and collections.Work carried out in Australia led to thedevelopment of a model that defines theconcept of significance in the context of acollecting organisation:Significance refers to the values andmeanings that items and collections have forpeople and communities. Significance helpsunlock the potential of collections, creatingopportunities for communities to access andenjoy collections, and to understand thehistory, cultures and environments (Russell,R & Winkworth, K. 2009, 1).Significance assessment logically analyses,explores and articulates the meaning andvalues of items and collections (Russell, R &Winkworth, K. 2009, 4).1This definition of significance in the contextof a collecting organisation is appropriatefor our purposes in Wales and it has beenadopted as the basis for the development ofthe significance template.1Russell, R. Winkworth, K. 2009. Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections. Collections Councilof Australia6
3. Why significance?It is crucial that we understand thecontext of our objects and collectionsin order to interpret them correctly.Significance assessments consider how anobject or collection fits into both the wholecollection and the institution. Significancecollates all the relevant information aboutan object or collection, which can thenbe condensed into a single statementfor easy communication to stakeholders,management, trustees and funders.Statements of significance will reinforce anobject or collection’s historical or culturalvalue and contribute to the development ofan overview that illustrates the strength ofthe museum’s collection, and its relevancefor users.be validated by a professional withunderstanding of the item or collection inquestion and of the significance concept.This action will help keep statementsobjective and relevant.As resources become stretched withininstitutions, there is likely to be a greaterneed for significance assessments.Museum stores are fast filling up and weare under pressure to do more with less.There will always be a need to rationaliseand justify collection management decisions.A statement of significance undertakenat the point of accessioning makes it clearthe reasons behind accepting an object orcollection into an organisation and willsupport arguments as to why resources needto be assigned to an object / collection toensure its long-term preservation.Significance assessment will help: justify collection management decisions; inform and support your institution’sstrategic planning, by aiding withcollections management decisions; meet the requirements of Accreditation inthe creation of a development policy2; communicate the range of valuesrelated to an object or collection to thestakeholders; collate a body of information for longterm use, and aid understanding of the context of yourcollections.It would benefit organisations to applysignificance assessments to their collectionsand demonstrate that they can establishwhere the strengths in their collections lie.The statement produced by applicationof the full significance assessment should22011: Accreditation Scheme for Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom. Arts Council England. Section 2:Collections Guidance7
4. Strategic contextNationally, the concept of assigningsignificance to collections is gatheringmomentum. This is reflected in policy andstrategic documents produced for the sectorin the United Kingdom regarding collectionsmanagement.4.1 A Museums Strategyfor WalesIn A Museums Strategy for Wales 2010-2015significance was identified as a methodfor institutions to better understandthe importance and relevance of theircollections. This information can thenbe used to make the best possible use ofresources to manage collections effectivelyWithin the strategy, CyMAL has pledged to: Develop tools to help museums assess,understand and articulate the fullsignificance of their collections, usingthe information to help in collectionsmanagement. Develop a pilot project on definingsignificance.A Museums Strategy for Wales p.26.3This approach to defining significance hasbeen developed to meet the aims andobjectives of A Museums Strategy for Wales.3A Museums Strategy for Wales 2010-2015. Welsh y/?skip 1&lang en8
5. Professional standardsProfessional standards documents guideinstitutions in effective and appropriatecollecting and set standards for museumsand galleries seeking to achieve andmaintain Accreditation. A brief guide tosome of the more applicable standards isprovided below along with informationon how significance assessments can helporganisations to meet those requirements.5.1 The UK AccreditationSchemeThe Accreditation Standard is the nationalstandard for museums in the UK. MuseumAccreditation demonstrates a museum’sachievements in the areas of museummanagement, collection care and publicservice. In order to achieve Accreditedstatus a museum must meet particularrequirements for standards of careand provide relevant documents thatdemonstrate the institution’s commitmentto museum management.The provision of a development policy is arequirement of achieving and maintainingAccredited status and this must include anoverview of collections.A significance assessment would aid thecreation of a comprehensive collectionsoverview and would enable the museumto ‘identify the areas of strength andsignificance as well as the unique natureof the museum’. (ACE; Guidance forCollections: Pg7).45.2 PAS 197: 2009 Codeof practice for culturalcollections managementPublically Available Specification (PAS) 197refers to significance assessments in Section4: Collections Development. The PAS 197acknowledges that significance assessmentscan be useful tools in managing collectionsgrowth effectively.5.3 SPECTRUM 4.0:The MuseumDocumentation StandardSPECTRUM 4.0 is the base documentfor museums undertaking collectionsmanagement activity. SPECTRUM’s primaryprocedures are a central part of theAccreditation standard. SPECTRUM supportsthe delivery of the PAS197 by providingusers with detailed guidance on how todeliver effective collections management.6The process of assigning significance willhelp institutions to ‘develop the extensiverecords’7 desirable for a significant complexobject. SPECTRUM 4.0 recognises that statusand significance can change with time andtherefore use of an object may have to bere-evaluated to reflect that change.For further guidance on the requirements ofAccreditation see the Arts Council England(ACE) published documents.542011: Accreditation Scheme for Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom. Arts Council England. Section 2:Collections Guidance. useums/accreditation-scheme/ 01/06/20126British Standards Institute (BSI). 2009. Publically Available Specification (PAS) 197:2009 Code of practice for cultural collectionsmanagement)7SPECTRUM, 2005: 759
‘An object may change its status (maybe recognised, for example, as unique),or may be able to be operated carefullyfor a limited time without suffering. Wetherefore suggest a more sophisticatedapproach based on regular assessment ofeach objects importance. What matters isthat each museum should adopt and stick toa clear policy’ (SPECTRUM, 2005; 38)8. recognise the interests of people whomade, used, owned, collected or gaveitems in the collections;In dealing with de-accessioning and disposalSPECTRUM 4.0 requires institutions toevaluate the cultural, historic and scientificworth of the object and requires a review ofthe context of existing collections in makingthe case for disposal.9A full significanceassessment enables institutions to carry outthis requirement thoroughly and effectively.Assigning significance to objects andcollections can help institutions fulfil theethical requirements by collating theevidence base which justifies the complexand occasionally challenging decisionmaking regarding collections.5.4 Museums AssociationCode of EthicsAll collecting organisations have aresponsibility to collect ethically and in linewith their acquisitions policy. The collectionshould be retained in the location thatprovides the best balance of care, contextand access10.Museums are expected to developcollections over the long term and regularlyreview their policies.Society expects museums to: research, share and interpret informationrelated to collections, reflecting diverseviews, and; review performance to innovate andimprove collections11.5.5 The definition ofsignificance in EuropeanstandardsThe European Committee forStandardization (CEN) has publisheda standard on the main general termsand definitions. This document containsdefinitions on both significance and value.The inclusion of these definitions in thestandard represents the importance placedon recognising the significance of objectsand collections in the context of theconservation of cultural property.12 hold collections in trust on behalfof society; acquire items honestly and responsibly; safeguard the long-term public interest inthe collections;8SPECTRUM, 2005; 38 from Museums &Galleries Commission Standards in the Museum Care of Larger and Workingobjects: Social and Industrial History Collections.19949SPECTRUM 4.0, 2010; 90. De-accessioning and Disposal.10Museums Association Code of Ethics. 2007. Pg 1011Museums Association Code of Ethics. 2007. Pg 912CEN. 2011. Conservation of cultural property- Main general terms and definitions10
Part 2: The processThis document explains the concept ofsignificance and provides you with afoundation for exploring and defining thesignificance of your collections further.The process and template has been designedfor general use and you may need to adaptit slightly to deal with collections such asnatural history and geology.The questions associated with the templateare a GUIDE ONLY. They are suggestionsabout what you may need to consider tohelp keep your observations as objective aspossible. You can only fill the template inas far as your knowledge and experienceallows and you are encouraged to draw onthe knowledge of others.Remember, a statement of significancecollates a body of information for longterm use and enables you to articulate thevalues assigned to objects and collections.This document is your guide for identifyingthe type and extent of information youneed to gather to provide you with theclearest picture possible of the object’scontext.6. The significanceassessment criteriaOur culture is ever changing. The differentgroups that make up our society will assigna wide range of values to objects held incollections. Some values will be sharedacross groups; however some will bedifferent and specific to particular objectsand groups.There are many different types of culturalvalues that can be assigned to collections;however the four values listed express howor why a collection or item is significantand are considered the most relevant whenassessing the significance of collections andobjects.When carrying out an assessment, all thekey values should be considered initiallyalthough not all may be relevant. These keyvalues will be cross referenced with fourcomparative criteria, which support theassignment of the degree of significance.The four key values and four comparativecriteria apply to both the significance matrixand the full significance assessment.11
6.1 The four key values1. Historic. Associated with a person, placeor event in the past and key in telling a storyabout a theme, process or pattern of life.It should contribute to an understanding ofthe past.2. Artistic or Aesthetic. The concept ofbeauty that the object expresses. The objectmay be remarkably beautiful or hideouslyugly but is important for what it represents;a school of design, artistic movement orinnovation and originality. It may showa high level of craftsmanship and skillin its execution. This value can be highlysubjective and the concept can change withtime and place.3. Scientific or Technological. The objector collection may have scientific ortechnological value.4. Social. The collection or object may havea demonstrated contemporary attachmentto an identified group of people. The groupshould be consulted about the degreeof significance. The object or collectionmay also represent a belief, idea, custom,tradition or practice that is important forthat particular group of people.As stated at the beginning of section 2, thisdocument deals with collections in generaland certain collections will require specialconsideration.For example, in natural history collectionsthe biological significance of the specimensis key. Therefore you will need to considerslightly different criteria. The criteria fordefining the significance of collections suchas natural history and geology should beoutlined before you start your significanceassessment, to ensure that the same criteriaare applied objectively to all specimens orcollections.126.2 The four comparativecriteriaThe four comparative criteria are:1. Provenance. The purpose of provenanceis to source the origin. To be able to assigngood provenance to an object there shouldbe an evidence base documenting whocreated, made, owned or used the itemor collection. The provenance needs to bereliable and should automatically form partof the research in the assessment process.2. Rarity or Representativeness. Items can beboth rare and representative. The object orcollection needs to be considered as beingunusual, or a good example of its type, asbeing singular, unique or endangered.3. Condition or Completeness (Completenessin its natural state i.e. pair of shoes, teapotwith lid). An item in original condition willbe more significant than one which hasbeen restored. The object or collectionscondition should be considered, if it is intactor incomplete. Any evidence of repairs andalterations, evidence of the way it was usedand if it still has the capacity to work shouldbe documented.4. Interpretive capacity. The object orcollection may help provide interpretationfor aspects of place or context. It mayrelate to other collections and items and berelevant in their interpretation.These comparative criteria should be used toclarify the degree of significance.
6.3 Degree of significanceThe degree of significance will be definedbased on all the evidence gathered.The options for defining significance are: Inter
collate a body of information for long term use, and aid understanding of the context of your collections. It would benefit organisations to apply significance assessments to their collections and demonstrate that they can establish where the strengths in their collections lie. The statement produced by application
6. Why Table 1 A 5-Why Analysis Question Table Build the Why Tree One Cause Level at a Time Many people start into a 5-Why analysis by using the 5-Why Table. With each Why question they put in an answer and then ask the next Why question. This question-and-answer tic-tac-toe
13. Why I Believe Jesus Is the Son of God Peter Kreeft PART 6 WHY I HAVE CHOSEN TO FOLLOW CHRIST 14. Why I Still Believe in Christ, in Spite of Evil and Suffering John S. Feinberg 15. Why I Have Made Jesus Christ Lord of My Life J. P. Moreland 16. Why I Believe Jesus Christ Is the Ultimate Source for Meaning Ravi Zacharias Afterword Josh McDowell
Why Men Want Women to Dress Like Tarts (But Never in Public) Why Men Are Three-Minute Wonders The Ball Game Balls Have Brains Too Men and Ogling What Men Need to Do What We Really Want, Long-Term Why Men Want 'Just One Thing' Why Sex Suddenly Stops What Men Want From Sex What Women Want From Sex Why Men Don't Talk During Sex
1. What do I need to do in order to get my cat cloned? How much does it cost? Why is it so expensive? 2. Why do some people want to clone their cats? Are some reasons for cloning cats better than others? Why or why not? 3. How does cloning work? Why doesn’t CC look like her genetic donor, R
Illuminati on my heels so I got to run And I’ll never stop until that hill is what my mom is on Why did Aliyah take that plane? Why did Left Eye get in that lane? Why did Tupac go to the Veg[as]? Why did Big go back to L.A.? Damn, damn/Why did Pimp C pick up that drink? When Mike Jack died I
you think like a Freak? Why or why not? Would you encourage others to think like a Freak? Why or why not? 2. If ÒThinking Like a FreakÓ is so easy and simple, why do so few people think like a Freak? 3. Using the soccer example from Chapter 1, if you were taking a
of Jesus’ mission and our mission in the world today? 32. Why was Jesus rejected in the synagogue at Nazareth? Why do you think people reject Jesus today? 33. When Jesus first predicted his death and resurrection, how did his disciples respond? Why? Why and how is the resurrection important for Christianity? 34. Why did Jesus weep at the .
Have you ever wondered why social media is addictive, why you can’t seem to drag yourself away from scrolling through Facebook? Or maybe why you get that feeling when you get a notification? Do you ever check your news feed for “five minutes”, . Here are some questions
