City of Rocks National Reserve: Museum Scope of Collection Statement

Bastis, Kristen

Director’s Order #24: NPS Museum Collections Management, requires each park unit to possess an up-to-date Scope of Collection Statement to “…to identify the scope of collecting activities and define the purpose of the collection.” This stand-alone museum planning document succinctly defines the scope of the park unit’s museum collection holdings; at present and for the future. It is derived from the park unit’s mission, as well as applicable laws and regulations pertaining to museum collections. The Scope of Collection Statement is the critical basis for managing museum collections—detailing what the park unit should collect, how many, and why. An up-to-date Scope of Collection Statement helps to ensure that the park unit’s museum collection is relevant to, and supportive of the park unit’s mission, resource management goals and objectives, and public service and stewardship responsibilities. It guides the park unit in the acquisition and management of those museum objects that contribute directly to the park unit’s mission, as well as those additional collections that the National Park Service is legally mandated to preserve.