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Dissertation Information for Bernadette Gabrielle Callery

NAME:
- Bernadette Gabrielle Callery

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (2002)

ADVISORS:
- Richard Cox

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Christinger L. Tomer
- Ellen Detlefsen
- David Wallace

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Evolutionary change in the accession record in three American natural history museums

Abstract: Recordkeeping systems in museums generate institutional records and create the context in which those records are used. These systems are the means by which all types of museums demonstrate their accountability for their collections to their public. Changes in recordkeeping systems, influenced by internal and external documentary requirements, are indicators of change in the institutional environment. As the record which initially identifies a museum object and documents its circumstances of acquisition, the accession record is central to museum recordkeeping systems. A longitudinal study of accession records in three major American natural history museums analyzed the changes in the form and content of the record. These case studies combined a content analysis of the accession records with an ethnographic research methodology used to examine staff uses of those records. The professional literature dealing with collection management practices in natural history museums was surveyed to identify the major developments in best practice and significant legislation affecting recordkeeping systems. The major findings were that while museum accession records did become more detailed over time, museum recordkeeping systems were slow to change, largely due to long traditions of autonomy within museum departments. Organizational changes, such as the arrival of a new curator or a major physical reorganization of the collections, were occasions for change in recordkeeping systems. However internal responses to adverse publicity surrounding deaccession decisions and the potential loss of public trust appeared to be more significant reasons for change than external legislative mandates and recommendations for professional practice.

MPACT Scores for Bernadette Gabrielle Callery

A = 0
C = 2
A+C = 2
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2012-07-31 16:16:09

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Students under Bernadette Gabrielle Callery

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- Robert Barnet Riter - University of Pittsburgh (2011)
- Hea Lim Rhee - University of Pittsburgh (2011)