Preventive Conservation Services

Risk analysis (QuiskScan or ABC method): An evaluation of all preservation risks to collections identifies immediate priorities. This abbreviated assessment provides a high-level overview of vulnerabilities requiring attention and focus on the ten agents of deterioration:

• Physical Forces: This assessment evaluates vulnerability to damage from physical impacts, vibration, abrasion, and gravity throughout your facility. The evaluation identifies risks from handling, transport, support failures, and building issues that could cause mechanical damage.
• Thieves, Vandals, Displacers: This service evaluates security systems and protocols to protect collections from theft, vandalism, and misplacement. The assessment examines physical security, access controls, and inventory management procedures.
• Fire: This analysis evaluates fire prevention systems, detection technology, and suppression capabilities to protect collections from fire damage. The assessment identifies vulnerabilities in building systems, emergency response protocols, and staff preparedness.
• Water: This evaluation assesses risks from plumbing failures, roof leaks, flooding, and condensation that threaten collections with water damage. The assessment examines building systems, geographic vulnerabilities, and emergency response readiness.
• Pests: This service identifies vulnerabilities to insect and rodent infestations that can damage or destroy collection materials. The assessment examines building entry points, housekeeping practises, and existing pest management protocols.
• Pollutants: This evaluation measures exposure to airborne contaminants, dust, and gases that can deteriorate collection materials. The assessment identifies sources of pollution both external and internal to your facility.

• Light: This assessment evaluates exposure to visible and ultraviolet light that can fade, discolour, and structurally weaken sensitive materials. The evaluation measures light levels and examines control methods throughout exhibition and storage area.
• Incorrect Temperature: This analysis evaluates temperature conditions and control systems that impact preservation and energy consumption. The assessment identifies areas of concern and recommends appropriate temperature parameters for different collection materials.
• Incorrect Relative Humidity: This service evaluates moisture levels and humidity control systems that affect preservation and building integrity. The assessment identifies areas of concern and recommends appropriate humidity parameters for different collection materials.
• Custodial Neglect & Dissociation: This assessment evaluates organisational systems for maintaining collection information and physical care procedures. The evaluation identifies vulnerabilities in documentation, inventory control, and maintenance routines.

Collection needs assessment: This service provides a holistic evaluation of your collection's preservation requirements across all material types. The comprehensive assessment prioritises needs and recommends appropriate preservation strategies within your resource constraints.

Storage optimisation, Re-Org: This service analyses and restructures collection storage systems to maximise space efficiency and improve object accessibility. Reorganisation includes developing customised storage solutions that address preservation needs while optimising available space.