Appraisals may not be given by any staff member to anyone outside the museum because of the possibility of an appearance of or actual conflict of interest. The staff may assist by identifying outside qualified appraisers, without endorsing any, and organizations and publications from which information on appraisers may be obtained. Insurance valuations, rather than formal appraisals, may be given by the curator for museum collection objects leaving the premises for loan.

“Authentications” are professional judgments regarding the identification, authorship, date, etc. of material, which imply legal responsibility or guarantee for the accuracy of the information. Museum staff are not permitted to offer authentications due to the implied legal responsibility of such statements.

“Identifications” are judgments, often verbal, which are informed opinions, but do not carry any guarantee or legal responsibility. Qualified museum staff (curator and registrar) may provide identifications of material; however, they should not make authentications. Staff should not make identifications in areas in which they do not have expertise and should instead recommend other qualified staff members, outside individuals, or museums.