Please excuse the cross-posting…
CALL FOR APPLICANTS
October
2005
CCAHA Offers
Subsidized
Preservation Needs
Assessments
A Preservation Needs Assessment is a key first step in
developing a preservation plan for collections. In addition to
pinpointing areas of concern, the preservation needs assessment is widely
recognized as a valuable tool in fundraising for collections.
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifact’s
competitive subsidized Preservation Needs Assessment Program for paper-based
collections is being continued through the generous funding of the National
Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
Eligibility:
If your institution owns a paper-based humanities
collection that is available to the public on a regularly scheduled basis and
has historical and educational significance, you are eligible to apply for
participation in CCAHA’s subsidized Preservation Needs Assessment
Program. To be considered the institution should demonstrate a strong
commitment to collection care, and the size of the institution’s
paper-based collection must warrant a full day survey. Institutions
funded by the federal government are not eligible because the program is funded
by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Process:
The preservation overview survey process encompasses a
general evaluation of the institution’s preservation needs for their
collection: environment (temperature, relative humidity, pollution and light),
housekeeping, pest control, fire protection, security, and disaster
preparedness; collection storage, handling, exhibition, and treatment; and
preservation planning. The site visit consists of a review of the site,
an examination of the collection, and interviews with relevant staff. The
written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve
as a guide in the development of a comprehensive preservation plan for the
collection.
Cost:
Preservation overview surveys can cost a minimum of
$3,000. Thanks to the funding received from the NEH, CCAHA is able to
offer a limited number of subsidized preservation overview surveys for
$350. The grant funding also covers the surveyor’s travel expenses.
Deadline:
The deadline for application is January 20, 2006. Additional
deadlines may be posted after this date. Please call if you have
questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program for your
institution.
To request an application form or to
receive additional information, please contact:
Preservation
Services Office
Tel:
(215) 545-0613
Fax:
(215) 735-9313
Email:
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Congress
created the National Endowment for the
Humanities in 1965 as an independent agency that supports education,
research, preservation projects, and public programs in the humanities.
CCAHA, established in 1977, is a non-profit
conservation laboratory serving other non-profit cultural, educational, and
research institutions, as well as private individuals and organizations.
CCAHA specializes in the treatment of works of art and historic artifacts on
paper. It also offers on-site consultation services; educational programs
and seminars; internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships; and emergency conservation assistance.