Public access to reserve collections : challenges, dilemmas, and future potential in museums in Malta

Abstract

One of the missions of museums is to balance the conservation of their artefacts with providing access to those same artefacts. In recent years, public access has also been extending to reserve collections. This trend has led to considerable debates on public accessibility to stored collections. The present study investigates public access to reserve collections in some of Malta’s museums. Eight national museum collections were selected for detailed study. The accessibility of their reserve collections was explored through in-depth interviews with seven museum professionals responsible for the collections. A qualitative approach was used. The data obtained were analysed through thematic analysis. The most significant issues and challenges hindering public access to stored collections were identified as lack of resources, the museum storage location, collection safety and security as well as issues related to collections management. A number of future potential opportunities were also identified, including increase in donations, introducing an online catalogue, increasing public awareness on reserve collections, and accessibility acting as a catalyst for better management of stored collections. It was found that most of the museums studied endorse the concept of public accessibility to reserve collections and are currently providing such access as far as their resources allow. However, most of the reserve collections are still underused. This study also demonstrates that providing public access to reserve collections requires a number of resources and adjustments. These comprise of staff, time, space, infrastructure, and equipment. Care is also required to find the appropriate balance between public access and preservation of artefacts. This study concludes that bridging the gaps between public access and storage cannot be addressed by one universal solution. Solutions need to be developed and tailored for each collection in its specific context.