From Idiosyncratic to Integrated: Strategic Planning for Collections

Museum studies contains much literature on collections and collecting, and on collection care and management, but there is little substantial work on collection planning – this is despite the need for a more systematic approach to this issue in contemporary museums. This chapter addresses a problem associated with institutional collecting, which is hampered by growing collections, lack of space, and dwindling resources: the lack of collection planning linked with the overall strategic direction for the museum. The author, formerly a Senior Curator and Manager at the National Museum of American History in Washington, reflects on his experience in changing the overall approach to, and rationale for collecting. With the realization that their collecting activities at the Smithsonian after 9/11 were fragmented, Gardner explains how he and his colleagues embarked on the process of reorienting collecting from an “idiosyncratic” practice to one that was “integrated.” This chapter describes that process, including establishing the rationale for collections planning, the planning process, the key components of a plan, and the need for an intellectual framework. The chapter concludes that every museum must make difficult choices about what to collect and not collect, and that those choices are likely to be better informed if made within the context of integrated, strategic planning tied to institutional mission and thematic goals.