MINISTERIO TRIBUNAL CALIFICADOR DE LAS PRUEBAS SELECTIVAS PARA INGRESO EN EL
DE EDUCACIÓN, CULTURA CUERPO DE AYUDANTES DE ARCHIVOS, BIBLIOTECAS Y MUSEOS
Y DEPORTE (SECCIÓN MUSEOS)
SEGUNDO EJERCICIO DEL PROCESO SELECTIVO
IDIOMA: INGLES
ETHICS FOR MUSEUMS
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Museums that maintain collections hold them in trust for the benefit of society and
its development.
ACQUIRING COLLECTIONS
2.3. Provenance and Due Diligence
Every effort must be made before acquisition to ensure that any object or specimen
offered for purchase, gift, loan, bequest, or exchange has not been illegally obtained
in, or exported from its country of origin or any intermediate country in which it might
have been owned legally (including the museum’s own country). Due diligence in this
regard should establish the full history of the item since discovery or production.
2.4 Objects and Specimens from Unauthorised or Unscientific Fieldwork
Museums should not acquire objects where there is reasonable cause to believe their
recovery involved unauthorised or unscientific fieldwork, or intentional destruction or
damage of monuments, archaeological or geological sites, or of species and natural
habitats. In the same way, acquisition should not occur if there has been a failure to
disclose the finds to the owner or occupier of the land, or to the proper legal or
governmental authorities.
2.5 Culturally Sensitive Material
Collections of human remains and material of sacred significance should be acquired
only if they can be housed securely and cared for respectfully. This must be
accomplished in a manner consistent with professional standards and the interests and
beliefs of members of the community, ethnic or religious groups from which the
objects originated, where these are known.
2.8 Working Collections
The collections policy may include special considerations for certain types of working
collections where the emphasis is on preserving cultural, scientific, or technical process
rather than the object, or where objects or specimens are assembled for regular
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handling and teaching purposes.
2.11 Repositories of Last Resort
Nothing in this Code of Ethics should prevent a museum from acting as an authorised
repository for unprovenanced, illicitly collected or recovered specimens or objects
from the territory over which it has lawful responsibility.
REMOVING COLLECTIONS
2.12 Legal or Other Powers of Disposal
Where the museum has legal powers permitting disposals, or has acquired objects
subject to conditions of disposal, the legal or other requirements and procedures must
be complied with fully. Where the original acquisition was subject to mandatory or
other restrictions these conditions must be observed, unless it can be shown clearly
that adherence to such restrictions is impossible or substantially detrimental to the
institution and, if appropriate, relief may be sought through legal procedures.
2.13 Deaccessioning from Museum Collections
The removal of an object or specimen from a museum collection must only be
undertaken with a full understanding of the significance of the item, its character
(whether renewable or non-renewable), legal standing, and any loss of public trust
that might result from such action.
2.14 Responsibility for Deaccessioning
The decision to deaccession should be the responsibility of the governing body acting
in conjunction with the director of the museum and the curator of the collection
concerned. Special arrangements may apply to working collections.
2.15 Disposal of Objects Removed from the Collections
Each museum should have a policy defining authorised methods for permanently
removing an object from the collections through donation, transfer, exchange, sale,
repatriation, or destruction, and that allows the transfer of unrestricted title to any
receiving agency. Complete records must be kept of all deaccessioning decisions, the
objects involved, and the disposal of the object. There will be a strong presumption
that a deaccessioned item should first be offered to another museum.
2.16 Income from Disposal of Collections
Museum collections are held in public trust and may not be treated as a realisable
asset. Money or compensation received from the deaccessioning and disposal of
objects and specimens from a museum collection should be used solely for the benefit
of the collection and usually for acquisitions to that same collection.
2.17 Purchase of Deaccessioned Collections
Museum personnel, the governing body, or their families or close associates, should
not be permitted to purchase objects that have been deaccessioned from a collection
for which they are responsible.
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Museums hold primary evidence for establishing and furthering knowledge.
PRINCIPLE
Museums have particular responsibilities to all for the care, accessibility and
interpretation of primary evidence collected and held in their collections.
PRIMARY EVIDENCE
3.1 Collections as Primary Evidence
The museum collections policy should indicate clearly the significance of collections as
primary evidence. The policy should not be governed only by current intellectual
trends or present museum usage.
3.2 Availability of Collections
Museums have a particular responsibility for making collections and all relevant
information available as freely as possible, having regard to restraints arising for
reasons of confidentiality and security.
MUSEUM COLLECTING & RESEARCH
3.3 Field Collecting
Museums undertaking field collecting should develop policies consistent with
academic standards and applicable national and international laws and treaty
obligations. Fieldwork should only be undertaken with respect and consideration for
the views of local communities, their environmental resources and cultural practices as
well as efforts to enhance the cultural and natural heritage.
3.4 Exceptional Collecting of Primary Evidence
In exceptional cases an item without provenance may have such an inherently
outstanding contribution to knowledge that it would be in the public interest to
preserve it. The acceptance of such an item into a museum collection should be the
subject of a decision by specialists in the discipline concerned and without national or
international prejudice.
3.7 Human Remains and Materials of Sacred Significance
Research on human remains and materials of sacred significance must be
accomplished in a manner consistent with professional standards and take into
account the interests and beliefs of the community, ethnic or religious groups from
whom the objects originated, where these are known.
3.8 Retention of Rights to Research Materials
When museum personnel prepare material for presentation or to document field
investigation, there must be clear agreement with the sponsoring museum regarding
all rights to such work.
3.9 Shared Expertise
Members of the museum profession have an obligation to share their knowledge and
experience with colleagues, scholars and students in relevant fields. They should
respect and acknowledge those from whom they have learned and should pass on
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such advancements in techniques and experience that may be of benefit to others.
3.10 Co-operation Between Museums and Other Institutions
Museum personnel should acknowledge and endorse the need for cooperation and
consultation between institutions with similar interests and collecting practices. This is
particularly so with institutes of higher education and certain public utilities where
research may generate important collections for which there is no long-term security.
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Museums provide opportunities for the appreciation, understanding and
management of the natural and cultural heritage.
PRINCIPLE
Museums have an important duty to develop their educational role and attract wider
audiences from the community, locality, or group they serve. Interaction with the
constituent community and promotion of their heritage is an integral part of the
educational role of the museum.
DISPLAY & EXHIBITION
4.4 Removal from Public Display
Requests for removal from public display of human remains or material of sacred
significance from the originating communities must be addressed expeditiously with
respect and sensitivity. Requests for the return of such material should be addressed
similarly. Museum policies should clearly define the process for responding to such
requests.
4.5 Display of Unprovenanced Material
Museums should avoid displaying or otherwise using material of questionable origin or
lacking provenance. They should be aware that such displays or usage can be seen to
condone and contribute to the illicit trade in cultural property.
OTHER RESOURCES
4.6 Publication
Information published by museums, by whatever means, should be well-founded,
accurate and give responsible consideration to the academic disciplines, societies, or
beliefs presented. Museum publications should not compromise the standards of the
institution.
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Museums hold resources that provide opportunities for other public services and
benefits.
PRINCIPLE
Museums utilise a wide variety of specialisms, skills and physical resources that have a
far broader application than in the museum. This may lead to shared resources or the
provision of services as an extension of the museum’s activities. These should be
organised in such a way that they do not compromise the museum’s stated mission.
IDENTIFICATION SERVICES
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5.1 Identification of Illegally or Illicitly Acquired Objects
Where museums provide an identification service, they should not act in any way that
could be regarded as benefiting from such activity, directly or indirectly. The
identification and authentication of objects that are believed or suspected to have
been illegally or illicitly acquired, transferred, imported or exported, should not be
made public until the appropriate authorities have been notified.
5.2 Authentication and Valuation (Appraisal)
Valuations may be made for the purposes of insurance of museum collections.
Opinions on the monetary value of other objects should only be given on official
request from other museums or competent legal, governmental or other responsible
public authorities. However, when the museum itself may be the beneficiary, appraisal
of an object or specimen must be undertaken independently.
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Museums work in close collaboration with the communities from which their
collections originate as well as those they serve.
PRINCIPLE
Museum collections reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the communities from
which they have been derived. As such, they have a character beyond that of ordinary
property, which may include strong affinities with national, regional, local, ethnic,
religious or political identity. It is important therefore that museum policy is responsive
to this situation.
ORIGIN OF COLLECTIONS
6.1 Co-operation
Museums should promote the sharing of knowledge, documentation and collections
with museums and cultural organisations in the countries and communities of origin.
The possibility of developing partnerships with museums in countries or areas that
have lost a significant part of their heritage should be explored.
6.2 Return of Cultural Property
Museums should be prepared to initiate dialogues for the return of cultural property
to a country or people of origin. This should be undertaken in an impartial manner,
based on scientific, professional and humanitarian principles as well as applicable local,
national and international legislation, in preference to action at a governmental or
political level.
6.3 Restitution of Cultural Property
When a country or people of origin seeks the restitution of an object or specimen that
can be demonstrated to have been exported or otherwise transferred in violation of
the principles of international and national conventions, and shown to be part of that
country’s or people’s cultural or natural heritage, the museum concerned should, if
legally free to do so, take prompt and responsible steps to co-operate in its return.
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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE
COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE
COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe
1. Introduction: cultural heritage on the EU agenda
This Communication has been informed by several years of dialogue with EU
Presidencies and stakeholders. It responds to this year's invitation of the Council to the
Commission to "pursue the analysis of the economic and social impact of cultural
heritage in the EU and contribute to a development of a strategic approach". It
examines available information on the economic and social impacts of cultural
heritage and plans to improve the evidence base and explores the challenges and
opportunities for the heritage sector.
The overall aim is to help Member States and stakeholders make the most of the
significant support for heritage available under EU instruments, progress towards a
more integrated approach at national and EU level, and ultimately make Europe a
laboratory for heritage-based innovation.
1.2. An undervalued contribution to economic growth and social cohesion
Heritage has many dimensions: cultural, physical, digital, environmental, human and
social. Its value - both intrinsic and economic - is a function of these different
dimensions and of the flow of associated services. The economic value of heritage has
recently come into research focus, but only partial estimates of its importance are
available.
EU-wide data in particular are lacking, but sectoral and country-based studies indicate
that the heritage sector makes a significant economic contribution. According to the
European Construction Industry Federation, in 2013 renovation and maintenance
represented 27.5% of the value of Europe's construction industry. In France in 2011
heritage generated €8.1 billion, and UK studies have shown that the historic
environment can offer a high return on investment: each £1 invested generating up to
£1.60 of additional economic activity over ten years.
Heritage has spill-over effects in other economic sectors. For instance, tourism is
estimated to contribute €415 billion to the EU GDP and 3.4 million tourism enterprises
account for 15.2 million jobs– many linked to heritage, directly or indirectly. 27% of EU
travellers indicate that cultural heritage is a key factor in choosing a travel destination.
In 2013, 52% of EU citizens visited at least one historical monument or site and 37% a
museum or gallery in their respective countries, while 19% visited a historical
monument or site in another EU country. Heritage can therefore help brand cities and
regions, attracting talent and tourism.
Technology adds economic value in the heritage sector: digitised cultural material can
be used to enhance the visitor experience, develop educational content,
documentaries, tourism applications and games.
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Heritage has great capacity to promote social cohesion and integration, through
regeneration of neglected areas, creation of locally-rooted jobs, and promotion of
shared understanding and a sense of community. The sector offers important
educational and volunteering opportunities for both young and older people and
promotes dialogue between different cultures and generations.
However, to increase understanding of the actual and potential role of heritage in
policy development, it is important to improve systematic data on its economic and
social impacts. The project Cultural Heritage Counts for Europe: Towards an European
Index for Valuing Cultural Heritage, funded by the EU Culture programme and
launched in 2013 will help address this. It will gather and analyse existing research and
data, from across the EU, on the impact of cultural heritage on society and the
economy. Results are expected by mid-2015. On culture data more generally,
Eurostat has begun developing a set of regular European statistics, which is also
expected to produce results in 2015.
1.3. A sector in transformation: heritage as a source of social innovation for smart,
sustainable and inclusive growth
Facing challenges…
The heritage sector is at a crossroads.
Public budgets are decreasing, as is participation in traditional cultural activities.
Urbanization, globalisation and technological change are diversifying potential
audiences.
High tourist influxes are a mixed blessing – increasing revenues but also environmental
and physical pressures.
Digitisation and online accessibility of cultural content shake up traditional models,
transform value chains and call for new approaches to our cultural and artistic
heritage.
Trafficking of cultural artefacts remains a difficult issue requiring action at European
and international level.
Global warming and climate change, in particular rising sea levels and the increased
occurrence of extreme weather events, can put cultural heritage at risk.
These challenges all need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of Europe's
cultural heritage.
The heritage sector must also adapt management and business models and develop
new professional skills, working with authorities not through one-off, isolated
interventions, but by making the valorisation and preservation of heritage part of
broader long-term development plans. The involvement of private stakeholders
through public-private partnerships should also be further explored.
It is clear that many public policies have an impact on heritage, and heritage in turn
has many impacts in other policy areas. Therefore a more integrated approach to
heritage conservation, promotion and valorisation is needed in order to take into
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account its manifold contribution to societal and economic objectives, as well as its
impact on other public policies.
… and seizing opportunities
The heritage sector is already reinventing itself to meet new challenges.
Conservation is increasingly geared towards preserving and enhancing a whole cultural
landscape rather than an isolated site, and also becoming more people-centred. Old
approaches sought to protect heritage by isolating it from daily life. New approaches
focus on making it fully part of the local community. Sites are given a second life and
meaning that speak to contemporary needs and concerns.
Digitisation and online accessibility enable unprecedented forms of engagement and
open up new revenue streams. E-learning tools promote wider access to cultural
content in homes, schools and universities, and allow people to generate, reuse and
add value to content, enhancing the value of cultural collections.
As heritage sites become public spaces that produce both social and environmental
capital, the cities and regions that host them turn into drivers of economic activity,
centres of knowledge, focal points of creativity and culture, places of community
interaction and social integration; in short they generate innovation and contribute to
smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, in line with the objectives of the EU 2020
strategy.
Museums and archives are also evolving, including by digitising collections, connecting
them in open networks and making them more widely available to citizens (though the
percentage of digitised heritage available online remains small, because of the
resources required for digitisation, and to a minor extent, for copyright clearance).
Museums are increasingly community-oriented, led by people and stories, for instance
proposing heritage-based narratives that weave the personal stories of community
members into the interpretation of larger historical events. They place audiences on a
par with collections, at the heart of their activities, do not shy away from exploring
sensitive and difficult issues, and address contemporary topics that speak to more
diverse audiences.
Historic cities, towns and villages face the most complex problems in terms of
preserving the fabric of European identity while generating sustainable growth and
employment. But they also show that wise heritage management can be successful
and sustainable, for example through the energy-efficient re-use of historic buildings,
and the promotion of greener transport and cultural tourism. Thanks to the
attractiveness of their urban and natural environments, heritage sites often host
clusters of cultural and creative industries. Much of Europe's cultural heritage is also
embedded in rural areas and remote regions, often closely linked with the natural
environment; here innovative forms of community-oriented management can greatly
improve their economic and social potential.
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2. Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is central to the European Agenda for Culture, making a significant
contribution to all three of its objectives:
• promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue - because of its
intrinsic and societal value, heritage is a pivotal component
• promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity – heritage contributes through
its direct and indirect economic potential, including the capacity to underpin
our cultural and creative industries and inspire creators and thinkers
• promotion of culture as a vital element of the Union's international dimension
– European expertise in cultural heritage is highly respected internationally
While policies for maintenance, restoration, accessibility and exploitation of cultural
heritage are primarily national or local responsibilities, cultural heritage is directly
addressed in several EU policies, including culture, environment, research and
innovation, education, regional policy and customs cooperation.
To support the European Agenda for Culture, a new generation of EU instruments has
been developed - starting with the Creative Europe and Horizon 2020 programmes -
which need to be better known and mobilised. The EU supports major joint
conservation efforts (for example in the Parthenon and the site of Pompeii), funds
cutting-edge research, and participates in the elaboration of new, more open
narratives about Europe's heritage; it also contributes to raising awareness through
prizes and other initiatives, often in cooperation with civil society.
To strengthen Europe's position in the field of cultural heritage preservation,
restoration and valorisation, there is a need to:
• encourage the modernisation of the heritage sector, raising awareness and
engaging new audiences
• apply a strategic approach to research and innovation, knowledge sharing and
smart specialization;
• seize the opportunities offered by digitisation; to reach out to new audiences
and engage young people in particular;
• identify skills needs and improve the training of heritage professionals and
• continue developing more participative interpretation and governance
models that are better suited to contemporary Europe, through greater
involvement of the private sector and civil society.
To achieve these objectives, the European heritage sector needs more opportunities
for larger-scale networking, and peer learning within and between Member States.
