Part 5 – The statement of significance

How to use the criteria

In Figure 3, Step 8 is about using the criteria. A consistent set of criteria for assessing items and collections creates comparable assessments across all kinds of collections. The criteria seen on the following page are simply a framework to elucidate and describe how and why the item is important. Use the criteria to draw out the precise qualities of the item or collection’s significance, rather than simply assert that it is, for example, historically significant.

The prompt questions that follow help to explore the special qualities and attributes of an item or collection’s significance. They can be adapted or reframed to suit particular items and collections. Look back at the information gathered through the step-by-step process to consider how the criteria apply.

Assessment against the criteria feeds into the statement of significance, helping to synthesise the meanings and values of the item or collection.[1]

There are four primary criteria and four comparative criteria for assessing significance.

Note that one or more criteria may apply and be interrelated. It is not necessary to find evidence of all criteria to justify significance. An item or collection may be highly significant even if it is relevant to one primary criterion only. The comparative criteria interact with the primary criteria to modify or clarify the degree of significance. Items or collections may be more or less significant depending on the answers to the following questions.

How to write a statement of significance

Collate all the information about the item or collection into a folder, including images, references to similar items and material from references of the period. Visual references are useful. These include historic photos, paintings, and advertising material from the period. Looking at images of similar items in use gives insights into its history, context and patterns of use.

Follow the step-by-step assessment process and develop notes under each heading or step. It is important to work through each step in the assessment process before starting on the statement of significance. That way the material functions as a reference point for crafting the statement of significance. It also means that the conclusions in the statement of significance can be substantiated by referring back to information assembled under each step in the assessment process.

While the statement of significance is best written as a readable paragraph or page, it doesn’t have to be in perfect prose. Dot points are acceptable, e.g. this item is significant because … It may be easier to start with dot points as a way of capturing the key elements of significance. The statement of significance may be as short as a few succinct sentences or several paragraphs, or it may be a page or more long. The length and level of detail will depend on the item or collection, the circumstances in which the assessment is carried out, and the available time, skills and resources.

Use the assessment criteria as a framework for refining ideas about the values, meaning and importance of the item or collection. Focus on explaining how and why the item or collection is important.

Some heritage registers structure the statement of significance by reference to each criterion. However, the statement of significance is more useful if it synthesises the whole story of the item or collection into a readable summary. That way it can be used in many different ways from in-house management to online access.

An interim statement of significance can be prepared pending further research.

If time is short, make sure the essential information about the item or collection’s provenance and context is documented so that the statement of significance can be prepared later.

Assessing significance is a collaborative process. Confer with knowledgeable people to seek their ideas. Consider forming a small working group with each member drafting a statement of significance, then come together to discuss the work in progress and refine the drafts. This can be a very rewarding process that draws on the knowledge and insight of many people who share a passion for collections.

The statement of significance can encompass different points of view. It is rewarding to share ideas about what makes items and collections important. Skills and speed improve with practice.

Click HERE to read a statement of significance

[1] Illustrated examples of the criteria were included in the first edition of this publication. The publication is available on the Collections Australia Network, viewed 23 March 2009, http://www.collectionsaustralia.net/sector_info_item/5