Collection security: low-cost measures for mineral collections

Abstract

A series of high-profile thefts of museum specimens in recent decades highlights the vul- nerability of collections to such incidents. With the increasing value of mineral specimens, mineral collections may increasingly become the target of such thefts. Although system- ic funding and staffing issues at many institutions limits the practicality of implementing more sophisticated security measures, there are a number of low-cost measures that can be implemented to augment existing security measures and increase relative collection se- curity. These include physical actions such as limiting access to collection specimens and space by using locking cabinets, safes, and locking collection spaces, as well as behavioural approaches such as controlling information, escorting visitors, and restricting what items can be brought into collection spaces. Knowing the value of specimens can also allow one to understand where to concentrate security measures. As outreach is used to teach the public about collections and specimens, measures should be taken to limit the distribution of monetary value and the security measures implemented.