What is the role of an independent appraisal in deaccessioning decisions?

• A. Non-disclosure of value to avoid public scrutiny.
• B. Ignore market data and proceeds.
• C. Board approval is not required.
• D. An independent appraisal helps ensure fair valuation and informs how proceeds are used.

Answer: (D)

An independent appraisal provides an objective, market-informed value for a work being deaccessioned, ensuring the valuation is credible and defensible. This matters because it guides the sale process and helps determine how the proceeds should be used, aligning with governance rules and donor or policy restrictions. By offering an impartial assessment, it reduces bias, supports transparency, and helps the organization comply with professional ethical standards. In practice, the appraisal informs decisions about price, sale method, and the allocation of funds—often toward acquisitions, conservation, or educational programs. Non-disclosure of value to avoid scrutiny is inappropriate and ignores the benefit of transparency; ignoring market data defeats the purpose of a fair valuation; and board approval requirements are typically part of governance, with the independent appraisal serving to inform rather than replace that oversight.