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The SPECTRUM Standard

This document was written, and licensed for publication by the Collections Trust.

SPECTRUM is the UK and international standard for Collections Management.

First published more than 10 years ago, and since updated through 2 revised editions, SPECTRUM is now published by the Collections Trust as an open standard on behalf of the libraries, archives and museums sector.

Throughout the section on Managing Information, you will find references to SPECTRUM Procedures. These are essentially business processes involving collections, and SPECTRUM provides definitions and guidance for a total of 21 of them.

SPECTRUM is freely available online (subject to registration). To find out how to access the online version, or download your own copy as a PDF, go to www.collectionstrust.org.uk/spectrum

SPECTRUM and the Museum Accreditation Scheme

The Museum Accreditation Scheme is the minimum standards scheme for UK museums. It defines four areas against which museums are assessed to provide a benchmark of their facilities and services.

Documentation and information management are important elements of the Museum Accreditation Scheme. Section 4 of the Sceme focuses on documentation and process within museums.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme defines 8 of the 21 SPECTRUM procedures as 'primary'. This means that a museum must meet the conditions of this procedure in order to meet the requirements of the Scheme.

The Accreditation Resource Directory is published as part of Collections Link, and provides a full map of the different parts of the Scheme.