Terry Childs, Mark Warner, and colleagues set out to discuss the current state of curation by providing effective examples of the ways in which archaeological collections can be studied and exhibited and by considering issues related to creating, accepting, and maintaining archaeological collections. They also envision this volume as a resource for anyone involved in the creation or care of such collections: archaeologists, curators, students, and stakeholders. The contributors include professionals associated with academic institutions and museums, cultural resource management companies, and federal and state agencies from across the United States, and this diversity of perspectives and experiences on collections advances the goals the coeditors set forth for the book. The volume is organized into three sections: “Valuing, Benefiting from, and Using Archaeological Collections”; “Tackling Collections Issues”; and “Finding What You Need: Resources for Archaeological Collections.” An introduction by Warner and Childs, along with an epilogue by Jenna Domeischel and Michael Trimble, provide historical context to the volume, emphasizing the importance of and the growing interest in curation.
The first section focuses on the use of collections and the ways in which multiple perspectives and voices can supplement knowledge gained from curated materials. Julia King (Chapter 1) discusses benefits and challenges of working with underutilized collections housed in museums, repositories, and private collections. In Chapter 2, Angela Neller emphasizes the benefits of collaborative methods as well as the inclusion of tribal voices and perspectives in archaeological research, especially when working with existing collections. Sheila Goff (Chapter 3) continues this topic, examining the impact of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) on the care, access, and use of collections. Heather Olson and Ralph Bailey (Chapter 5) echo this theme though a series of case studies illustrating innovative applications of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) toward improving the curation, study, and accessibility of archaeological collections.
In Chapter 4, Danielle Benden argues for the inclusion of archaeological curation in academic programs to better prepare the next generation of archaeologists. To facilitate the implementation of her argument, Benden provides both an abbreviated sample syllabus for such a course and suggestions for including this kind of training outside of academia.
Chapters in the second section shift the conversation to practical considerations of the collections management cycle. These chapters function as a guide for curators, focusing on the logistical and administrative challenges associated with the role of curator and the care of archaeological collections. Lynne Sullivan and Childs (Chapter 7) examine the multifaceted responsibilities that curators have as administrators, scholars and teachers, and archaeologists, and they argue that curation should be acknowledged and respected as an area of archaeological specialization. In Chapter 6, Teresita Majewski underscores the importance of including collections management in the initial planning stages of archaeological projects to better engage stakeholders and avoid legal and financial surprises. Sara Rivers Cofield (Chapter 8) echoes the need for comprehensive planning with an emphasis on determining collection ownership in the early planning stages of projects. Olson and Danielle Cathcart (Chapter 9) provide examples of some of the difficulties and ramifications associated with orphaned collections, and they outline five specific tasks and more general best practices for managing collections and preventing collections from becoming orphaned.
In Chapter 10, Rivers Cofield and Majewski discuss archaeological records management. They present considerations for determining which records should be retained and in what forms for the curation of paper documents as well as for the creation and management of digital records.
Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14 take on issues related to collections management sustainability—including costs—and considerations about reducing the volume of curated materials to ensure the sustainability of collections curation. Childs (Chapter 11) details the years-long effort to create regulations for the deaccessioning of archaeological materials, emphasizing an increasing support for rigorous criteria for the deaccessioning process. Warner (Chapter 12) proposes strategies for evaluating existing collections, deaccessioning redundant materials, and pre-accession discard, especially for historic objects. Brian Crain and Michael Heilen (Chapter 14) present two strategies for reducing or limiting the volume of collected artifacts: (1) pre-accession discard and in-field analysis, calling for the development of standardized protocols for in-field analysis and sampling, and (2) best practices for pre-accession discard of redundant or unneeded materials. Cordell and colleagues (Chapter 13) consider financial aspects of collections management, and they discuss possibilities for the implementation of curation fees and the establishment of endowments to create financially sustainable repositories.
Unlike the other sections, the third section of the book does not include chapters, but it encompasses thematically organized lists of resources and links spanning a broad array of topics relevant to curating archaeological collections. Benden compiles resources here that field archaeologists and collections managers will find helpful.
Using and Curating Archaeological Collections is a welcome addition to the “Archaeology in Action” series by the SAA Press. With many examples of collaboration, research, and education; considerations for planning and budgeting for long-term curation of archaeological materials; and a comprehensive list of resources, this volume is sure to become a go-to resource for all those who create, study, or steward archaeological collections.
