I. Museums preserve, interpret and promote the natural and cultural inheritance of humanity = 1
Institutional standing = 3
Physical resources = 3
Financial resources = 4
Personnel = 5

II. Museums that maintain collecdtions hold them in trust for the benefit of society and its development = 7
Acquiring collections = 9
Removing collections = 12
Care of collections = 14

III. Museums hold primary evidence for establishing and furthering knowledge = 17
Primary evidence = 19
Museum collecting and research = 19

IV. Museums provide opportunities for the appreciation understanding and management of the natural and cultural heritage = 23
Display and exhibition = 25
Other resources = 26

V. Museums hold resources that provide opportunities for other public services and benefits = 27
Identification services = 29

VI. Museums work in close collaboration with the communities from which their collections originate as well as those they serve = 31
Origin of collections = 33
Respect for communities served = 34

VII. Museums operate in a legal manner = 35
Legal framework = 37

VIII. Museums operate in a professional manner = 39
Professional conduct = 41
Conflicts of interest = 43
Glossary = 47