Collection condition surveys can provide important information for an overall preservation strategy for collections large and small.
A survey can help to identify the overall condition of the collection through item-by-item examination. Your survey will be tailored to fit the specific needs of your institution; common notation includes materials and media, method of manufacture, content, format, as well as specific descriptions of current physical and chemical condition.
Benefits of a Condition survey:
- An essential tool in requesting grant funding for further conservation or preventive measures.
- Can identify particular issues and areas of the collection at higher risk.
- Can help to prioritize treatments or allocation of funds for treatment, storage, or environmental upgrades.
- Reliable snapshot of the collection for later comparison.