3.5. Norms

Normal museum routine, in the context of the cultural heritage of each particular church, demands that the laws in force be respected. In this regard the following points are relevant: 

- in the first place keep in mind the norms and guidelines concerning this sector and its various aspects issued by the Holy See, the National and Regional Episcopal Conferences, and Dioceses;
- draft, if possible, Statutes or Regulations to be distributed by diocesan information offices (See note *);
- abide by international civil guidelines and above all those issued at national and regional levels (for example, the already mentioned guidelines issued by ICCROM, ICOM, ICOMOS, Council of Europe);
- structure loans of artworks according to general ecclesiastical and civil norms, first ascertaining the aim of the request and then recommending that the ecclesial context of the artefacts be observed;
- issue norms regarding the copyright of works in keeping with ecclesiastical and civil guidelines and customs;
- regulate access to data both printed and above all computerized information (on site or on the web);
- issue guidelines on the transfer of works:  unprotected, out-of-date, in danger of deteriorating in ecclesiastical museums or in other storage units.

For the storage of artistic-historical assets of ecclesiastical property (current ones and those being planned) in civil, public or private museum institutions (or the like), it is necessary to draw up an agreement aimed at protecting the property right, assure the safeguard and ecclesial fruition, define the temporary status of the deposit.

Even the restoration procedures must be carefully regulated with legal formality.