What to Expect from a Conservation Assessement

Types of Assessments


  • CONDITION SURVEY--documents the current condition of objects or specific group/type of objects within the collection. This may be a routine task performed by a staff conservator in order to set priorities or prepare for an upcoming exhibition. This may also be performed in preparation to apply for a grant to treat a large collection of objects. 
  • CAP (Collections Assessment for Preservation)--This program (previously known as Conservation Assessment under Heritage Preservation) is now jointly sponsored through IMLS and FAIC. The program is an overall assessment of collections stewardship at a given institution which has chosen from the applicants. Specific condition issues may not be addressed, but instead storage conditions, care and handling, and efficacy of the administrative structure and planning are examined by an appointed conservator. An additional building assessor examines the condition of structures at the institution and their ability to contribute to the preservation of the rest of the collection. 
  • HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT--This report is used to document important features of built heritage. A detailed brief on the components of this report is available from the National Park Service. These reports are commissioned by individual sites/institutions and rely on various specialists such as architectural historians, architectural conservators, archaeologists, paint analysts, structural engineers, and city planners. 
  • HABS (Historic American Buildings Survey)--This program's primary goal is documentation and each survey includes measured drawings and photographs of the structures. Sites are prioritized by their risk of damage or demolition. The program is overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Heritage Documentation branch of the National Park Service and archived at the Library of Congress. Specific guidelines can be found here. 


Working on Site

When the conservator is on site she will need access to the collections and various storage and exhibition spaces. The conservator will also want to meet with staff in order to become better acquainted with the institution. Depending on time and funding a whole day may be dedicated to orientation. 

Pictured here is a condition and identification assessment of the photographic collection at the California Historical Society, San Francisco, which was conducted as part of the 2014 Angels Project at the AIC Annual Meeting. 

Documentation

Some kind of survey record or report will be produced. At Shelburne Museum Google Forms have been adapted for ease of use, storage, and dissemination. 

Analysis

A summary report of results and their implications will be produced. These reports can include graphs to provide a big picture concept of the status of the collection. 

Prioritization/ Recommendations

A clear set of actions and/or recommendations will be suggested for moving forward to improve the condition of the collection and/or other goals identified at the beginning of the assessment. Often these steps are divided into short term and long term timelines.  

After a report has been completed the conservation assessor can continue to serve as a resource for collections care information.  

Using Format