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# National Collections

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The National Collections are central to the Smithsonian’s research, exhibitions, and education. They are a vital resource, accessed by millions of visitors and researchers exploring subjects from aeronautics to zoology. The National Collections have a significant role in addressing scientific and societal issues in the 21st century. Collections acquired a century or more ago are used today to address climate change, the spread of invasive species, the loss of biological and cultural diversity, and other pressing contemporary challenges. Smithsonian collections also help to define our national identity by documenting the history, diversity, and cultures of the United States. Digitizing the collections makes access to them possible anywhere, anytime for research, education, creativity, and enjoyment.

Collections HoldingsCollections DigitizationCollections CareCollections Loans

## Collections Holdings

157.2MObjects and SpecimensFiscal Year 2022

148.2KArchival Cubic FeetFiscal Year 2022

2.3MLibrary VolumesFiscal Year 2022

Smithsonian collections present an astonishing record of American and international artistic, historical, cultural, and scientific achievement. Representing a diverse range of materials and disciplines, the collections include works of art, historical artifacts, natural and physical science specimens, living animals and plants, images, archives, libraries, audio and visual media, and digital assets. In terms of sheer numbers, Smithsonian collections have a scope and depth that no other institution in the world can match. Visit our collections page for more information.

          Graph Information: Bubble graph shows the relative size of Collections Holdings by the domains of Science, History and Culture, and Art. The data can be filtered by Collection Types: Museum/Zoo Collection, Archive Collection, and Library Collection.      

Collections Holding Table

## Collections Digitization

37.0MObjects and Specimenswith Digital Record

113.0KArchival Cubic Feetwith Digital Record

1.5MLibrary Volumeswith Digital Record

7.5MObjects and Specimenswith Digital Image

27.2KArchival Cubic Feetwith Digital Image

59.7KLibrary Volumeswith Digital Image

The extent to which the Smithsonian has digitized its collections is a measure of both public access and good collections management. Digitization involves creation or enhancement of a digital record and of digital images or other digital surrogates such as 3D data, audio, or video. The Smithsonian’s goal is to have all National Collections described by digital records and a prioritized subset represented by digital images or other digital surrogates. Digital assets are available online at the Collections Search Center****and other Smithsonian websites including Smithsonian Open Access, where users can find millions of Smithsonian images freely available to download, share, and reuse. To learn more, visit the Digitization Program Office.

          Graph Information: Graph shows Total Collections Holdings and number/percent of the total with a Digital Record. Also shown is the number of Collections Holdings Prioritized for a Digital Image and number/percent with a Digital Image. The graph can be filtered in three ways: by Collection Type (Museum, Archival and Library); by Domain (Science, History and Culture, Art, Libraries); and by Unit.      

## Collections Care

75%Physical ConditionObjects and Specimens            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

86%Physical ConditionArchival Cubic Feet            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

89%Physical ConditionLibrary Volumes            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

87%Physical AccessibilityObjects and Specimens            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

89%Physical AccessibilityArchival Cubic Feet            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

90%Physical AccessibilityLibrary Volumes            Percent of collections that meets or exceeds standards.        

Collections stewardship—the development, documentation, management, preservation, and use of collections—is not a single process or procedure. Collections care, storage, and digitization represent a continuum of activities that directly affect the Smithsonian’s ability to make collections available to scholars and the public worldwide. Meeting established standards and sound management practices for the care of collections is measured by the state of object preservation, condition of facilities housing collections, quality of storage equipment, and ease of locating and retrieving collections. The headline numbers above indicate the percentage of collections meeting or exceeding established standards in each of these areas. 

          Graph Information: Historical trend graph for last four years of percent of Collections meeting each of four Collections Care variables: Physical Accessibility, Physical Condition, Storage Equipment, and Housing Materials.      

## Collections Loans 

2,099,197Items on Active LoanFiscal Year 2022            Collections include objects, specimens, archival items, and library titles.        

Lending and borrowing collection items for public exhibition, research, and education is an integral part of the Smithsonian’s mission. Loans between Smithsonian collecting units, as well as loans to and from other educational and scientific organizations are fundamental to the Institution’s programs. The number of Smithsonian collections on loan to other organizations is a measure of public outreach.

          Graph Information: Number of Newly Initiated Loans, number of States (including DC and Puerto Rico) with Loans, and number of Countries outside the US with Loans.      

Map of Loans U.S.

Map of Loans International

ODT Smithsonian Organization and Audience Research/OCIO

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