Caring for Collections

Course Description

Collections care is central to the work of any library, museum, or archive, but it is not always easy for collection managers to determine how to provide the best care in less-than-ideal circumstances. Compromises often need to be made, which might include storing items in rooms subject to seasonal temperature and humidity fluctuations, or allowing researchers to handle highly fragile materials. The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works describes these compromises as “the systematic mitigation of all risks to all strategically managed values of a collection.” This means, essentially, that best practices are weighed against financial costs, the availability of resources, the desired use of collections, and the probable long-term effects of their choices to determine the best working solution with the least risk. The primary responsibility for a collections care professional is to make sure that these compromises are the result of careful assessment and decision-making, and are not allowed to happen merely through inaction or neglect.

This course is designed for librarians, archivists and other professionals working with physical archival collections who are looking to expand their expertise in the field of preservation. This course will provide an introduction to foundational preventive conservation concepts and strategies. The assignments are designed to help you establish basic policy and procedure and build a custom preservation model for your individual institution. Environmental controls, rehousing procedures, storage standards and disaster planning are all topics that will be discussed. Some experience in the cultural heritage sector is helpful though not essential. Additionally, if you are not currently working in an institutional setting, modifications to the assignments are available.

Course goals:

• Interpret and apply the basic principles of collections care and preventive conservation to their own collections and circumstances
• Identify common agents of deterioration and implement techniques to avoid, mitigate, or block those agents
• Set short, medium, and long-term priorities for preservation action
• Develop the foundation of a customized preservation and disaster response plan
• Determine when to contact a conservation professional