Deaccessioning

/ˌdiːækˈsɛʃənɪŋ/ verb, noun

Definition

The ongoing process of removing items from institutional collections; the practice or action of deaccessioning multiple pieces.

Etymology

Present participle of 'deaccession,' formed with the '-ing' suffix; this gerund form reflects how museum professionals need a noun to discuss the practice of systematic collection removal.

Kelly Says

The 'deaccessioning' debate exploded when universities started selling endowment art to cover COVID costs — it raised philosophical questions about whether public institutions can ever be 'permanent' or if financial crisis trumps cultural stewardship!

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