In a recent article in the New York Times titled "Museum Leaders Toughen Artifact Acquisition Guidelines," blogger Randy Kennedy discussed the new rules incorporated by the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD).
The vote will strengthen the requirements museums must meet in order publish pictures and information about antiquities that may be subject to questions of looting.
Since 2008, museums have posted information about antiquities they've acquired on an AAMD-sponsored website. Museums will now need to publish pictures and information about these artifacts, as well as cite a reason for acquisition.
Though the publication guidelines enforce greater ethical responsibility in cultural heritage, Professor Patty Gerstenblith, director of the Center for Art, Museum and Cultural Heritage Law, still expressed concern over the acquisition of these antiquities.
“What I want to see is the museums not acquiring these things in the first place,” Gerstenblith said. “It remains to be seen how they enforce that part."