CALL
FOR APPLICANTS
March
2007
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.
CCAHA’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.
Process:
The
preservation needs assessment 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:
Through
funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, CCAHA is able to offer
a limited number of subsidized preservation needs assessments for $350. The
grant funding also covers the assessor’s travel expenses.
Deadline:
The deadline for application is Friday, May 18, 2007. Additional deadlines
may be posted after this date.
Application forms for the Preservation Needs Assessment Program can be
found on CCAHA’s website: www.ccaha.org.
If you have questions or want to discuss the
suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA’s
Preservation Services Office at:
Preservation Services
Office
Tel: (215) 545-0613
Fax: (215) 735-9313
http://www.ccaha.org
* * * * * *
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.
Laura Hortz Stanton
Director of Preservation Services
Phone: 215-545-0613
Fax: 215-735-9313
Email: [log in to unmask]