Preservation-focused overview surveys are important tools for planning preservation programs, seeking funding for them, and implementing improvements in the most efficient manner. BACC has more than thirty years of experience in the development of both general and collection-specific surveys.
Click the links to read more about each type of survey:
General Preservation Planning | Collection-Specific | Item-by-item
The general preservation planning survey is the first step in the development of a long-range preservation plan. The survey, offered through BACC’s Western Region Field Service Office, addresses all factors that affect collections care: staffing and training, policies and procedures concerning the use of collections, storage and exhibition conditions, the museum environment, security, and emergency preparedness. Before commencing the survey, BACC conservators consult with the institution’s staff to determine the principal objectives in undertaking the survey.
Survey results, given to the institution in a written report, are accompanied by practical recommendations that can be used as the basis for development of plans and policies for the long-term care and preservation of collections, and as a tool for securing project funding.
- Pre-visit telephone consultation to review the plan of work for the survey, arrange meeting times with key staff, review objectives, and discuss the pre-visit questionnaire.
- Completion by the survey recipient of a pre-visit questionnaire that prepares the surveyor and facilitates for the site visit by providing detailed information on institutional operations.
- Site visit of one to two days, depending on the size of the institution and complexity of the collections.
- Pre-entrance and postexit meeting with the director to review identified objectives for the survey and to summarize observations.
- Completion of final report by the Western Region Field Service Office with supporting material and implementation recommendations.
- Follow-up consultation to discuss identifying resources for implementation steps and providing assistance, as needed with review of grant proposals and any other assistance needed that will encourage continued progress on collections care objectives.
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The collection-specific survey centers on a specific subset or class of objects within an institution. European paintings or contemporary works on paper are examples of a specific class of objects. As with a general preservation planning survey, the conservator evaluates all institutional factors that impact the collection, including the use of the collection, storage, and exhibition conditions, and the museum environment. As part of the collection-specific survey, the conservator identifies groups of objects and individual objects in need of treatment. The written report includes a prioritized list of treatment recommendations.
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Item-by-item surveys provide a detailed level of assessment for a specific group of objects. This survey is generally initiated in preparation for a treatment program. To support this effort, the item-by-item condition survey encompasses a detailed examination of individual objects and the drafting of treatment proposals with cost estimates.
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