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reCollections

Supporting distributed cultural collections by connecting conservators and custodians

Collection Tips and Guides

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Networking

Kinds of networks that exist and how particular networks can help you.

Common Deterioration Processes

Learn a basic understanding of some deterioration processes and some of the problems you may encounter in your collection.

Paintings

Understand possible sources of damage for paintings.

Paper

Understand the main factors that contribute to the deterioration of paper.

Wood

The main problems affecting the condition and longevity of objects made wholly or partially from wood.

Assessing Skills and Training Needs

Understand how the skills of the people who work with your collections can best be used to help the organisation meet its objectives.

Leather

Understand the storage and display conditions which are required to minimise the deterioration of leather objects.

Light and Ultraviolet Radiation

Understand the adverse effects that visible light and ultraviolet—UV—radiation can have on museum objects.

Management Practices

Understand how best practice and benchmarking can help museums, galleries and libraries.

Access to collections

Be familiar with a variety of display techniques which can help minimise the risks caused by public access.

Electronic Information Media

Set up a preservation program for electronic information and media.

Purposes and Policies

Learn to write a mission statement and collections policy for your museum, gallery or library.

Common Deterioration Processes

Examples of Deterioration.

Collection Surveys and Condition Reporting

Examining Objects.

Electronic Information Media

Preserving audio and video recordings on tape.

Photographs

Identification of historic photographs.

Handling

Handling composite objects.

Paintings

Handling Stretched Canvas.

Health and Safety

Chemicals and Solvents.

Volunteers

Recruitment and selection.

Paintings

Climatic Zones.

reCollections: Caring for Distributed Collections, has been written by practicing conservators and is intended to provide a sound guide for the preventive care of cultural items. Active conservation treatment of cultural material should only be undertaken by, or on the advice of, a trained conservator. Before relying on any of the material in this guide, users should check its accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for their purposes and should obtain appropriate professional advice. If in doubt, consult a conservator.

© 2018 by The University of Melbourne. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This publication is based on the original work reCollections © Commonwealth of Australia 1998.

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© 2018 by The University of Melbourne. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This publication is based on the original work reCollections © Commonwealth of Australia 1998.