Preservation-focused surveys and assessments are important tools for planning and funding conservation and collections care programs, as well as for implementing improvements in the most efficient manner. BACC has more than thirty years of experience in the development of both general assessments and collections-oriented surveys.
Click the links to read more about each type of survey:
General Preservation | Hazard |Collection-Specific | Item-by-item
The general preservation assessment is the first step in developing a long-range preservation plan. It addresses all factors that affect collections care: staffing and training, policies and procedures concerning the use of collections, storage and exhibition conditions, the museum environment, security, and emergency preparedness. At the project’s outset, BACC conservators consult with the institution’s staff to determine the principal objectives for the assessment and shape the process accordingly.
The final product is a written report, which is accompanied by practical recommendations and supporting materials that can be used as the basis for developing plans, procedures, and policies for the long-term care and preservation of collections as well as a tool for securing project funding.
- Pre-visit telephone consultation to review the plan of work, arrange meeting times with key staff, review objectives, and discuss the pre-visit questionnaire.
- Completion by the assessment recipient of a pre-visit questionnaire that prepares the assessor and facilitates the site visit by providing detailed information on institutional operations.
- Site visit of one to two days, depending on the size of the institution and complexity of the collections.
- Pre-entrance and post-exit meeting with the director to review identified objectives for the assessment and to summarize observations.
- Completion of the final report with supporting material and implementation recommendations.
- Follow-up consultation to discuss identifying resources for implementation steps and providing, upon request, assistance with review of grant proposals or other assistance to help the institution address identified objectives.
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A hazard survey is the first step in developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan that is tailored to an institution’s specific needs and circumstances. Participating institutions must complete a pre-visit questionnaire and self-evaluation exercises designed to identify specific risks. Field Service staff then complete a one day on-site hazard survey to examine the facilities and speak with museum staff. Potential vulnerabilities, such as environment, security, fire and water detection and suppression or abatement, collection management policies and procedures, and pest control, are analyzed. The result is a report that will provide observations, recommendations, and resources to better manage and mitigate risk as well as to develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Following the survey, Field Service staff use the information gathered to assist in revising an existing emergency plan or drafting a new plan for the organization.
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The collection-specific survey centers on a specific subset or class of objects within an institution. European paintings or contemporary works on paper are examples of specific classes of objects. As with a general preservation assessment, the conservator evaluates institutional factors that impact the collection, including the use of the collection, storage, and exhibition conditions, and the museum environment. As part of the collection-specific survey, the conservator identifies groups of objects and individual objects in need of treatment. The written report includes a prioritized list of treatment recommendations.
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Item-by-item surveys provide a detailed level of condition information for a specific group of objects. This survey is generally initiated in preparation for a treatment program. To support this effort, the item-by-item survey encompasses a detailed examination of individual objects and the preparation of treatment proposals with cost estimates.
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