Additional Information

Format

PDF

Scope

International

Language

English;French;Spanish

Notes

The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums sets minimum professional standards and encourages the recognition of values shared by the international museum community.

This reference tool provides guidance and is presented as a series of principles supported by guidelines detailing expected professional practice. It was drafted in a cross-cutting manner and conceived as an instrument of professional self-control. ICOM members must accept and comply with the Code’s rules.

The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums addresses diverse museum-related topics such as acquisition procedures, compliance with legislation, management of resources, security, returns and restitutions. The Code also advocates strong principles playing a key role in the fight against illicit traffic, for instance concerning due diligence and provenance.

After being first adopted in 1986, and revised in 2004, the Code has been translated into 38 languages.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Specimen and Research Record Storage

CIfA Codes

• Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment

Keywords & Terms

• Academic Integrity and/or Plagiarism
• Accountability
• Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
• Burials and Human Remains
• Confidentiality
• Conflicts of Interest
• Conservation
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Intellectual Property
• International Law
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
• Ownership
• Professional Qualification
• Professional Relationships and Communication
• Professional Standards
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Stewardship
• Storage of Data, Specimens, and Records
• Workplace Safety Standards