Collections Standards – Web Edition (August 2014)
Standards for Archaeological Collections
Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory
The following standards apply to archaeological collections curated at the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory (Waring Laboratory). Because the research value of a group of artifacts stems directly from the information contained in their associated records, artifacts and their associated records are jointly referred to as a “collection” in this document. These standards define the minimum level of documentation, cataloging, and processing required for curatorial purposes. Each collection is evaluated for curation on an individual basis. Special arrangements may be made for a collection comprised of multiple small projects. Archaeologists are encouraged to consult with the Laboratory Coordinator or Laboratory Director early in the planning stages of particular projects regarding processing issues and to resolve any questions regarding our curation of the collection. Archaeologists also should consult Curation of Federally Owned and Administered Archeological Collections (36 CFR 79) (www.cr.nps.gov/aad/36cfr79.htm) as well as the National Park Service’s Museum Handbook (Part I, Museum Collections) (www.cr.nps.gov/museum/ publications/handbook.html) and Managing Archeological Collections: Technical Assistance (www.cr.nps.gov/aad/ collections/index.htm) for more information about the processing and management of archaeological collections.