Working with a Conservation Professional or Commercial Vendor

Choosing a conservator to work with on the long-term preservation of your collection is a very important step. You should take time to find out about this individual's background, therefore ask for a resume and references. Conservators are trained in two ways: 1) through an academic graduate level program resulting in a Masters Degree or 2) by an extensive apprenticeship with a recognized professional.

The American Institute for Conservation is a membership based organization for professional conservators and they have a referral service which can help in locating a conservator in your area. You can also call some of the larger museums or libraries in the area and speak with the curator or librarian on staff to see who they may suggest.

What You Should Ask the Conservator

You must ask questions of the conservator to evaluate the qualifications and ability of this person to carry out the necessary work on your collection. The discussion topics should cover education, training, professional development and area of expertise. It is not inappropriate to ask for a resume and references.

What to Expect From the Conservator

The conservator will give you an overview of what he or she thinks the treatment process will be for your records or documents. The conservator will need to take an extensive look at your objects to make an accurate assessment of their needs. This can be carried out on site, but is usually done in the conservator's lab. Be sure to get a receipt for your objects when the conservator removes them from your building.

After looking at the objects, the conservator will send you a Technical Examination, which will detail the following items:

• Materials
• Structure
• Method of fabrication of the object
• Outline the location and extent of the physical damages
• Chemical deterioration
• Previous repairs present.

Along with this document will be a Treatment Proposal which will outline in detail the necessary steps or options for treatment of your object. Read this document carefully and call the conservator back if you have questions. Especially question what types of chemicals, adhesives and materials are going to be used or put in contact with your records and documents.

The treatment proposal will cover the following information:

• Different options for stabilizing the object
• An outline of the procedures to be used and the conditions they intend to correct
• Within the procedures, the types of chemicals and adhesive should be mentioned
• An estimate of the time required to complete the treatment
• An estimate of the financial costs associated with the work.

You will be expected to sign the proposal for work along with the conservator. Some conservators require a deposit before treatment can begin. If the cost of the work is out of range for your finances, don't be shy about asking the conservator what minimum steps could be accomplished which will stabilize the object and you can have full treatment carried out at some later date. Remember, stabilization is the first step.

Another approach in working with a conservator is to give them a budget at the onset and see what they can do that is within your budget. Remember, this is a collaborative effort between you and a professional, so don't be afraid to ask questions and work together.

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