A comparison of collection management practices between two collections of Diptera.

The Diptera collections of the Natal Museum (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) and the National Museums of Scotland (Edinburgh, Scotland) are distinctly different. A direct comparison of curatorial techniques aims to assess the methods of collection management used and the constraints facing these two museums. Each institution has a unique historical background, which has had a particular influence on how collection management practices have developed. Thus, the two museums in question use different techniques to accomplish the same job. These differences are compared and evaluated and the strengths of each institution are highlighted. Some comment on collection management practices in the Diptera collections of other museums is included. The main limitation facing the National Museums of Scotland collection stems from its age and certain traditional methods of organisation used. Being a younger collection, the Diptera collection at the Natal Museum is largely free from such limitations. Current political and economic factors are discussed relative to operations at both museums. These factors (including the means by which finances are obtained) affect differently the two institutions and what they expect from their staff. As a result, collection management practices are also distinctively influenced. Certainly, some positive changes can be made to improve the Diptera collections at National Museums of Scotland, but the constraints facing the Natal Museum are more complicated and sometimes more difficult to overcome