I would like to say that I agree with Eric Siegal's comment on the ethical limits of using the Museum-L. John Scott makes some very salient points as well but I think that he is showing a tiny "chip" on his shoulder concerning non-profit institutional conservation. I would say that anyone whom is in a position to solicit clients needs to be a bit careful online - whether they are in private practive or working in a non-profit institution. This is how I interpreted Eric's comments. The absolute best thing for folks seeking professional conservation services to do is to educate themselves. Contact the American Institute For Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and ask them for a set of their very informative brochures (Finding A Conservator is a great one!). Use the AIC's referral list to find several specialists in your region. I am conintually asked by members of the public and the museum profession to, "just tell me what I should do to clean my so-and-so". I like to respond to this type of query by relating to the questioner that conservators are the physicians of objects & artifacts. First, we have to examine the patient and perform some tests to ascertain their condition before we can speak to what may be wrong (no diagnosis over the phone!). We then make recommendations and reach consensus with the patient (in this case the custodian of the object) on a course of corrective action. We also need to document all of this work for the next physician (conservator) whom may see the patient in the future. If you carry the physician analogy further you will see the value in self-education as to the possible maladies out there and the value in seeking several opinions when complex problems occur. The value of conservators interacting on Museum-L is that other museum professionals can get information on a wide range of resources and materials. It is also important for conservators to be sensitized to the issues which curators, collection managers, archivists, educators, and administrators are concerned with. It helps to have a healthy sense of humour! :) Dave Dave Harvey Conservator of Metals & Arms Colonial Williamsburg P.O. Box 1776 Williamsburg, VA 23187-1776 804 - 220 -7039 =:|\Pinnacle Online - Open and dynamic Internet services:= =:|o\. | | | ______ := =:|_/||\ ||\ | |\.| __ | Voice: 804/498.3889 email: [log in to unmask]:= =:| || \|| \| o | \| \_ .| Data: 804/498.9762 login: guest or new :=