Tips for Collectors: General Condition Surveys

In addition to the Disaster Preparedness Survey, a General Collection Survey can also be performed while the Conservator is at your residence or facility. This survey is intended to provide a general overview of strengths and weaknesses, with an eye towards future improvements

Conservation History
A review of past conservation history and a determination of the quality of any past conservation treatment.

Collection Condition
The purpose of a General Condition Survey is to review a Collection’s environment, including condition history and recommendations for conservation work where necessary.

Climate Control and Environment
A review of HVAC capabilities, reliability and quality. Any other environmental factors affecting the collection will also be examined.

Storage
A review of the storage environment, its capabilities and its long-term needs.

Long Range Plans
An outline detailing a long-range plan for the collector to bring environmental concerns under control. This will also provide the collector with an idea of how to approach the next level of conservation in order to bring the collection to its highest value and to stabilize its condition for the future.

Conservation Suggestions and Time Line
This section will offer detailed conservation recommendations for each piece in the collection. Most likely, not all items will require immediate conservation. The time line offers a priority listing of when to approach certain conservation issues the collection may require.