The Curation and Management of Archeological Collections: A Pilot Study

摘要

This study resulted from a growing awareness that archeological collections were not being maintained adequately and that their value for future research and educational purposes was subsequently being lost. The American Anthropological Association proposed a pilot research effort to review the existing situation and provide recommendations. The specific goals of the project were: the assessment of the present status of curation of federally owned archeological collections in nonfederal repositories; the definition and articulation of technical and professional requirements for curation of federally owned or controlled archeological specimens now in nonfederal repositories; the delineation of guidelines for curation of these data and collections to insure their continued viability as research tools; and the development and recommendation of mechanisms by which adequate curation of these data and collections could be assured.