Preventive conservation

Description

Definition: All measures and actions aimed at avoiding and minimizing future deterioration or loss. They are carried out within the context or on the surroundings of an item, but more often a group of items, whatever their age and condition. These measures and actions are indirect – they do not interfere with the materials and structures of the items. They do not modify their appearance. Examples of preventive conservation are appropriate measures and actions for registration, storage, handling, packing and transportation, security, environmental management (light, humidity, pollution and pest control), emergency planning, education of staff, public awareness, legal compliance.

(ref. ICOM-CC document 'Terminology to characterize the conservation of tangible cultural heritage', prepared for ICOM-CC meeting in New Delhi, 2008).

Resources and Citations

• J. Ashley-Smith, A. Burmester, M. Eibl, Climate for collections - Standards and uncertainties, Archetype Publications (London) (2012)

• R. Alcantara, Standards in preventive conseration: Meanings and aplications ICCROM (2010), http://www.iccrom.org/pdf/ICCROM_04_StandardsPreventiveConser_en.pdf

• Caring for collections, CCI-ICC Ottawa (Canada), http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/caringfor-prendresoindes/collections-eng.aspx