STANDARD 5: Exhibit Object Selection

STANDARD 5: Exhibit Object Selection
Objects must be selected with regard to the specific needs of object preservation, as well as of the exhibit plan, and selection must be guided, in part, by an object’s vulnerability to damage and the exhibit’s ability to provide the appropriate protection.

Selecting the objects for an exhibit is a long and complex process, guided by the curatorial and interpretive vision for the exhibit. A priority is to decide which objects best fulfill the interpretive goals of the exhibit. However, because exhibition can seriously affect an object’s long-term health, an object’s ability to withstand the rigors of display should also enter into the decision of whether or not to display that object.

click on the individual Guidelines below to read more information

• Guideline 5.1: When making the preliminary selection of exhibit objects, exhibit planners take into account the objects’ ability to withstand the rigors of display

What characteristics make an object vulnerable to the hazards of exhibit and possibly unsuitable for display?

How do the Exhibit Plan and Exhibit Location affect object selection?

How do Exhibit Resources affect object selection?

What assistance can a conservator provide in selecting appropriate objects for exhibit?

Why should the exhibit team be prepared to modify the list of selected objects?

• Guideline 5.2: The curator (or appropriate team member) considers the significance and value of each object to determine its security needs.

Why is the ability to provide sufficient security a top conservation priority?

How is the significance of an object used to determine its security needs while on exhibition?

Sample Forms: Object Significance Worksheet

• Guideline 5.3: Exhibit planners use object rotation or substitution to decrease the exposure of vulnerable objects to the hazards of long-term display.

Well-planned object rotation is an effective preservation strategy for vulnerable objects

What factors indicate the need to rotate or substitute objects during an exhibition?

What factors contribute to an effective rotation policy?

Guidelines for creating an effective rotation schedule

Guidelines for implementing effective object rotation

Sample Forms: Rotation or Substitution Form

• Guideline 5.4: Non-collection objects, such as facsimiles, reproductions and duplicate artifacts, are used to protect vulnerable items from the rigors of long-term display.

How to use non-collection objects as an effective conservation strategy for vulnerable objects

In what situations is use of a non-collection item recommended?

Guidelines for using non-collection objects

How to minimize the risk of damage to original objects during reproduction

Guidelines for making two-dimensional Reproductions

Guidelines for making three-dimensional reproductions