Collections Management 100: Collection Development

An AASLH Small Museum Pro! Online Course

In this course, participants will learn about the general principles underlying the idea of being a “collecting organization,” and how collections support the mission of a museum or history organization.  Students will explore the purpose of a Collection Management Policy and how it relates to other core museum documents, create the Foundational Statements and Collection Development sections of their collections management policy and operationalize those components using example objects.  (STEPS COL Standards 1-7, 9, 11)


Week 1: What is a Collection Management Policy?
Week 2: Ethics related to collecting, collections, and the public
Week 3: Mission and Scope of Collections
Week 4: Temporary Custody
Week 5: Accessions and cataloging
Week 6: Deaccession and Disposal
Week 7: Abandoned and undocumented property
Week 8: Sharing your knowledge

About the Collections Management series

This two-part course is intended to result in a complete Collections Management Policy draft. Participants can use the courses to develop a Policy from scratch, or significantly revise an existing Policy.  During the course, students will operationalize their policies-in-development through a series of activities using sample objects, readings, asynchronous interactions with fellow participants, and Zoom meetings. Engaging in both of these courses will help STEPS participants meet all 12 Stewardship of Collections Standards in the STEPS program. This course works best if participants have access to a museum and its collection (either as a board member, staff person, or volunteer), but this is not required.

Course Logistics

COURSE DATES: August 25 - October 19, 2025

REGISTRATION DATES: June 16 - August 18, 2025

COST: $230 AASLH Members / $330 Nonmembers / 10% discount for STEPS participants with promo code found in the online STEPS Community or by emailing learn@aaslh.org

FORMAT: Online, Instructor-led, Weekly-paced course

LENGTH: 8 weeks

PARTICIPATION: Students should expect to spend approximately 5 hours per week on readings, video discussions text-based forum discussions, and assignments.

LIVE ZOOM DISCUSSIONS: We recommend downloading the Zoom mobile or desktop app for this course. 

• A one-hour live Zoom discussion will be held biweekly
• Final dates/times will be determined by the instructor at the start of the course
• Zoom discussions are recorded in case a participant is unable to attend the live sessions

Issues with registration? Please email learn@aaslh.org for assistance.

How to Register for this Event

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.