Overview
An effective collections care program is composed of a series of related activities that build upon one another over the course of a defined period of time. For most institutions, the first step in developing a collections care program is the general preservation assessment. This assessment 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. Prioritized recommendations specific to the collection and institution are typically broken down into short-, intermediate-, and long-term recommendations.
Post-survey consultations with BACC conservators are used to identify institutional objectives. For institutions embarking upon a collections care program for the first time, or for those who do not have an up-to-date program in place, the next logical step is the drafting of a Conservation/Preservation Plan. This is a board-approved document that outlines prioritized or ranked conservation activities for a three-to-five-year period. The plan may include, by way of example, strategies for the rehousing of objects, an in-depth survey of particular classes of objects in preparation for treatment, or the acquisition of climate control monitoring equipment to assess the museum environment. For small to midsized institutions, Federal Grants are available to undertake specific projects to improve collections care, including the general preservation assessment and the development of a long-term preservation plan.
Post-survey consultations with BACC conservators are used to identify institutional objectives. For institutions embarking upon a collections care program for the first time, or for those who do not have an up-to-date program in place, the next logical step is the drafting of a Conservation/Preservation Plan. This is a board-approved document that outlines prioritized or ranked conservation activities for a three-to-five-year period. The plan may include, by way of example, strategies for the rehousing of objects, an in-depth survey of particular classes of objects in preparation for treatment, or the acquisition of climate control monitoring equipment to assess the museum environment. For small to midsized institutions, Federal Grants are available to undertake specific projects to improve collections care, including the general preservation assessment and the development of a long-term preservation plan.