Public Access to Collections Policy
In accordance with its mission of education in service to students, scholarly communities, and the general public, the Museum provides public access to its collections through exhibition and by request for study, research, and advancement purposes.
Museum collections on exhibit may be viewed by the general public during Museum open hours and when exhibit spaces are open during special events.
Certain Museum collections may be loaned, as outlined in the Outgoing Loans Policy, or made available for scientific testing, as outlined in the Scientific Testing Policy. Access to objects in the Documentary Media Collection is outlined in the Photography Policy.
On-site access of other Museum collections not on exhibit and access to secure collections spaces are covered in the remainder of this policy.
Access for Study and Research Purposes
Individuals such as professors, students, scholars, and researchers may request access to objects in the Artifact, Teaching, Library, and Props & Furnishings Collections for study and research purposes. Restricted access to secure collections areas may be granted as needed.
Requests, including a brief statement of purpose, should be made in advance and in writing to the Registrar. The Registrar will consult with the Collections Manager, the Director, and other staff, such as the Assistant Director of Education, as needed. Requests will be approved or denied after careful review of the following criteria:
- support of the Museum’s mission
- support of the University of Illinois’ mission
- availability of staff and Museum spaces
- security concerns for the preservation and well-being of the collection and storage areas, including potential for loss, damage, or disfigurement that may be caused to the objects
- conformance to relevant University policies
- availability and accessibility of the requested objects
- number of objects requested
- physical condition of the objects requested
The Registrar, in consultation with the Collections Manager, will determine the most appropriate location within the Museum for examination of objects. If the objects are to be examined in a storage area, the visit will be conducted in accordance with the Museum rules for security and access.
Furthermore, the Collections Manager, in consultation with the Registrar, will determine whether outside individuals will be allowed to handle the objects according to the Artifact Handling Policy. Handling of objects will be directly supervised by a designated Collections or Registration staff.
Access for Advancement Purposes
Individuals such as development officers, University administrators, dignitaries, donors, and lenders may be granted access to secure collections areas on a restricted basis for advancement, development or other professional purposes.
Requests should be made in advance to the Director or the Collections Manager. The Director and the Collections Manager will approve or deny requests, based on careful review of the following considerations:
- purpose of the request
- support of the Museum’s mission
- support of the University of Illinois’ mission
- availability of staff
- security concerns for the preservation and well-being of the Collection and storage areas
All visits will be conducted in accordance with the Museum’s rules for security and access.