Opening-up storage: collections access as public programming

In this thesis, programs that provide public access tours to collection storage areas in museums are examined. Widening public access to unseen museum collections represents a significant challenge for museums and their collections, not only to remain relevant and responsive to society, but to balance public engagement with collections management standards. A literature review and an analysis of three case studies of access programs in museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in the San Francisco Bay Area was conducted. After a discussion in which key themes in such access programs are outlined, several conclusions and recommendations are presented. It is concluded that museums must continue expanding and improving public access to un-exhibited collections and include more detailed public accessibility guidelines into existing policy to effectively realize wider public access to their collections.