Introduction to Preventive Conservation

This workshop introduces participants to preventive conservation. It prepares participants to recognize how collections can be adversely affected by the ten agents of deterioration and advises how to protect against these agents in a thoughtful way that balances collection use with access. The workshop equips participants to be able to communicate preventive conservation concepts to collaborators, colleagues and decision-makers. It also provides an introduction to hazards related to working with collections to help keep people safe.

The format is interactive, with facilitated group discussions, activities and individual exercises for participants to apply learned concepts within their institutions. Participants will use the Framework for Preserving Heritage Collections: Strategies for Avoiding or Reducing Damage throughout the workshop and can refer to an annotated list of resources to explore topics in greater detail. Participants are encouraged to share their questions and experiences from within their cultural heritage institution throughout the workshop.

Learning objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• recognize hazards and protect themselves and others so they can work with collections safely
• name the ten agents of deterioration and recognize how they can affect collections
• recognize, identify and describe layers and stages of protection for collections
• identify and describe issues or gaps in preventive conservation in their heritage institution
• propose options to solve preventive conservation issues and challenges and begin to think about their impact
• communicate about preventive conservation concepts to collaborators, colleagues and decision-makers

What to expect

The online workshop comprises four 1.5-hour sessions. Participation in the online workshop will involve:

• attending all four sessions
• participating in facilitated group discussions, inter-session activities and individual exercises
• using the Framework for Preserving Heritage Collections: Strategies for Avoiding or Reducing Damage

Target audience

This workshop is best suited for participants who:

• have had minimal training or have not yet had training in preventive conservation
• work (paid or volunteer) in a museum, gallery, archives, cultural centre or library
• work with or make decisions that affect collections, or work in spaces with collections

Enrolment limits

Minimum 10, maximum 20

Special requirements

Participants must have the following equipment and software:

• A computer with audio and video capabilities
• The desktop version of Zoom
• A stable Internet connection

Register

To apply, consult the Learning activities page.