Preventive conservation

Access guidelines, tools and resources that support informed decision-making and practical action to manage risks and improve collection care.

Services and information

Framework for Preserving Heritage Collections

This quick reference tool provides heritage professionals with practical advice on how to protect collections from the agents of deterioration.

Preventive conservation guidelines for collections

This resource provides advice on the care of specific types of collections as well as basic care guidelines for all collections, based on the 10 agents of deterioration.

Climate Guidelines

This resource presents current thinking on sustainable climate control for collections and includes two interactive tools: ClimaSpec and the Climate Control Decision Tool.

Response ready: Emergency response planning for heritage institutions

This resource helps heritage institutions plan for and respond effectively to emergencies. It includes a manual, an emergency plan template and worksheets.

Mould Outbreak – An Immediate Response

This page outlines a general course of action to deal with a mould infestation in a heritage collection.

RE-ORG – collection storage reorganization

This page describes the RE-ORG method and provides a list of case studies and resources to help heritage institutions reorganize and regain access to their collections in storage.

Sustainable practice for heritage institutions

This page provides resources and tools to help heritage institutions address issues related to sustainability.

Design considerations for new facilities

This resource outlines key preventive conservation features to include in the design of new heritage collection facilities.

Preventive conservation tools

This page provides calculation and design tools to help heritage institutions perform preventive conservation activities.

Preventive Conservation and Digital Preservation Requirements for Category A Designation – Audiovisual Collections (Class 9 Objects)

This resource outlines the preventive conservation and digital preservation requirements that institutions must meet to qualify for Category A designation under the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program.

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2026-08-17