Editing Collections Management Policy (section)

===Collections Ethics and Conflict of Interest===

''We must protect ourselves and our people from any complaints of unethical behavior.''

All individuals appointed, elected and/or serving as members of the GHM Board of Trustees, the Director, Curator, Registrar, Museum and City employees and all volunteers shall abide by the guidelines of the Collections Management Policy. In addition to guidelines outlined elsewhere in this policy, the following shall be included:

'''Responsibility to the Collections and Other Museum Property'''

* The objects in the Museum Collections shall not be used as collateral in financial transactions or in any way that compromises the object’s clear title.
* Any object that is part of the Museum Collections or in the custody of the Museum or any other property, supplies or resources of the Museum shall be used only for the official business of the institution.
* The reputation and name of the Greer Heritage Museum shall not be exploited for personal advantage or the advantage of any other person or entity.
* Information about the administrative and non-scholarly activities of the Museum that is acquired in the course of duties and which is not generally known to the public shall be treated as proprietary to the Museum. Such information shall not be used for personal advantage or other purposes detrimental to the GHM.
* Referring members of the public to outside suppliers of services such as appraisers or restorers shall be done circumspectly. Whenever possible, more than a single qualified source shall be provided.
* No deaccessioned objects shall be purchased by or donated to a member of the Board of Trustees, Museum staff or volunteers.

'''Personal Collecting'''

Personal collecting shall not compete with the Museum nor shall advantage be taken of information proprietary to the Museum. Museum affiliation shall not be used to promote personal, family or associates’ personal collecting activity.

'''Dealing'''

Buying and selling objects similar to or related to objects in the Museum Collections as a personal business is prohibited. Occasional selling or exchanging such objects in the management of a collection is acceptable.

'''Acceptance of Gifts'''

Acceptance of personal gifts of more than a nominal value from artists, craftspeople, dealers or suppliers connected with the Museum is prohibited. Such prohibition includes not only objects of collectible value but also includes discounts on personal purchases greater than those offered the Museum. Gifts derived from purely personal and family relationships are acceptable.

'''Confidentiality'''

Matters of Museum administration shall be held in confidence.

'''Appraisals'''

Greer Heritage Museum does not provide appraisals. Upon request, the Curator may suggest appraisers or other sources so long as more than one name is given. The Museum should not make arrangements for the appraisal and cannot pay for the appraisal.