The process of removing an item from a museum's, library's, or collection's permanent collection, usually by selling or donating it.
From 'de-' (remove) plus 'accession' (the process of adding items to a collection), creating a specialized term in museum and library science that emerged in the late 20th century as institutional practice formalized.
Museums face ethical dilemmas with deaccessioning — some argue selling items funds new acquisitions (good stewardship), while others say institutions are sacred trustees that should never sell collection pieces (ethical duty), creating real professional conflicts!
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