The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is seeking applicants to participate in its Preservation Needs Assessment Program. Through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of subsidized preservation needs assessments for $350. The funding also covers the assessor’s travel expenses.
Preservation Needs Assessment Program Grant Awards
Completing a Preservation Needs Assessment is a key first step in developing a preservation plan for institutions. The preservation needs assessment process encompasses a general evaluation of the institution’s preservation needs for their collection(s): 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(s), 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. In addition to pinpointing areas of concern, the preservation needs assessment is a valuable fundraising tool.
Eligibility: Institutions with paper-based humanities collections that are available to the public on a regularly scheduled basis and that have national or regional significance are encouraged to apply. Additional eligibility requirements are on CCAHA’s web site in the Service/Surveys/Consultation section at http://www.ccaha.org/services/surveys-consultation.
Application Process and Deadline: Application forms and additional information about the Preservation Needs Assessment Program can be found at http://www.ccaha.org/services/surveys-consultation.
All applications must be received by Friday, December 4, 2009.
If you have questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA’s Preservation Services Office, call (215) 545-0613, go to www.ccaha.org or email pso@ccaha.org.