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| Conservation/Preservation Information for the General Public |
While some of these resources are in fact intended for museum, library, and archive professionals, in general they do not require a technical background, and should be of use to the lay public.
Some of these sites are vendors of products and services and the information offered is intermixed with commercial content. Mention of a resource here does not in any way indicate endorsement of any product or service, nor does it emply endorsement of the valididy of the technical information itself.
See also the following areas in CoOL
Preservation Resources listed by Author/Organization/Company
Finding a Conservator
Reference Services
Among the questions addressed:
This very valuable resource lists CAPC geographically and by specialty, indicating which members accept private commissions, accreditation status, as well as contact information.
"The MGC maintains a database of independent conservators. If you need to find a conservator to clean a painting, survey a collection of scientific instruments or help you plan how to improve collection care, then the Conservation Register is a good place to start. Register Search: A detailed report on five conservation practices is normally provided. This service is free to museums but a £5.00 charge is made to others."
"NEDCC's Field Service staff is available to answer preservation questions by phone, fax, or email. This service is available for institutions or individuals with paper-based collections, and it is provided at no charge to the inquirer thanks to a grant to NEDCC from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).... Information is provided on all aspects of paper preservation and conservation. Answers to some frequently asked questions are available at this site.
"NEDCC has also produced a variety of short technical leaflets that address many common preservation topics. Single copies are available from the Field Service staff. Many of these leaflets have been collected into an online publication entitled Preservation of Library and Archival Materials: A Manual, 3rd ed. and can be downloaded from our website..."
Among the topics covered in the Frequently Asked Questions section are
"As part of its Field Service program, NEDCC offers an emergency assistance program for institutions and individuals with damaged paper-based collections. NEDCC staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide telephone advice if a disaster occurs. This service is provided at no charge thanks to a grant to NEDCC from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). It does not normally include on-site assistance.
"Information provided includes advice on drying wet collections and dealing with damage from fire, pests, or mold. Referrals to commercial disaster recovery service providers experienced with library and archives collections can also be provided."