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
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