Beyond rigid standards: exploring flexibility in collections environments through a sustainability lens

Authors:

• Madeline Miner, Master of Arts in Museology
• Chair: Lane Eagles
• Geneva Griswold
• Mal Ahern

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Abstract:

This study investigates the challenges and hesitation among West Coast museum professionals to implement expanded climate set points in collection spaces and through loan agreements, despite the decreased energy consumption benefits and financial gain. Through interviews conducted with eleven institutions, a better understanding of how museums set their climate standards and the hesitations or challenges they face when attempting to implement more sustainable practices was investigated. Overall, the findings concluded that limited upper-level support and financial resources pose difficulties for many institutions in considering implementing more eco-friendly practices in their everyday work.