I. Premise

An Inherent value of specimens: Specimens in natural history collections are preserved to document presence in given localities at a given time, to validate past research, and to be available for research and other educational purposes. Specimens are collected as a sample of a region's natural and cultural environment (past and present), then are often prepared in some fashion so as to make them useful for research, exhibition, or educational purposes. Subsequent preparation, sampling, or destructive analysis may be necessary to fulfil the goals of research or legitimate educational uses. Research enhances the value of specimens.

B. Balance between use and preservation: Associated with the responsibility of ongoing research and educational use is the obligation of the institution to maximise the value of each specimen for future use. This applies not only to the data associated with each specimen, but also to the physical and chemical integrity of the specimen. Thus, it is critical that the demands placed on natural history specimens for current research and educational uses are balanced with the need for preservation of the specimens for future uses.
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II. Objectives

A. Management and care of collections of natural history materials should be governed by respect for the scientific, historic, physical, cultural, and aesthetic integrity of the specimen or artefact and its associated data. Concern for its future should include protection against unnecessary damage, loss, or alteration that might affect its future research, educational, or exhibition potential.
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III. Responsibilities for the institution

A. A museum has the ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that collections in its custody are "protected, secure, unencumbered, cared for, and preserved" (American Association of Museums, 1992). Any institution holding collections of value to the scientific community has an obligation to endorse this code. To fulfil this responsibility, it is essential that institutions take steps to mitigate the use of scientifically unsound preparation and other treatment techniques, poor environmental conditions, and negligent handling in order to protect the physical and chemical integrity of specimens and artefacts for present and future needs. Guidelines for professional management and care should be applied not only to research collections, but also to education and exhibit collections. Institutions should implement systems that ensure preservation both of documentation and of specimens and artefacts.
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IV. Staff Responsibilities

A. Collection care is principally the responsibility of staff members (regardless of job titles) directly involved with specimens and artefacts: curators, collection managers, curatorial assistants, conservators, registrars, preparatory, and technical assistants in these areas. Many collections care activities do not require professional conservators for implementation (Duckworth et al., 1993). Other departments (e.g., education and exhibit) are also responsible for the care of specimens and artefacts that are used for education or exhibition purposes. Preventive conservation is the responsibility of all staff including, for example, building and grounds, security, and those responsible for receptions and development functions.
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V. Use of collections

A. Use of collections should be carried out in ways that are compatible with preservation objectives and concerns held by indigenous peoples, whenever possible. Certain specimens or artefacts may be considered too rare, fragile, culturally sensitive, or significant for exhibition or loan (e.g., type specimens, specimens of extinct species, historically significant specimens, or specimens in poor condition).
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C. Conditions under which specimens are exhibited must be compatible with their long-term preservation. Appropriate collection care staff must be active members of exhibit planning and production teams.
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VI. Definitions

G. Collection Care - the responsibility and function of an institution with collections that involves developing and implementing policies and procedures to protect the long-term integrity of specimens and artefacts, as well as their associated data and documentation, for use in research, education and exhibits.
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N. Maintenance - routine actions that support the goals of preservation of and access to the collection such as monitoring, general housekeeping, providing appropriate storage and exhibition conditions, and organising a collection.
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R. Preventive conservation - actions taken to minimise or slow the rate of deterioration and to prevent damage to collections; includes activities such as risk assessment, development and implementation of guidelines for continuing use and care, appropriate environmental conditions for storage and exhibition, and proper procedures for handling, packing, transport and use. These responsibilities may be shared by collection managers, conservators, subject specialists, curators, and other institutional administrators.