Preservation Briefs
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Preservation Briefs •
Preservation Briefs are a series of concise, expert-written guides focused on preventive conservation for cultural heritage institutions. Each brief offers practical, collections-focused strategies on topics like environmental monitoring, cleaning, storage, emergency preparedness, and more. Ideal for museums, libraries, archives, and private collectors.
The Environmental Monitoring Cycle
Not all environmental data are created equal—especially when time and resources are limited.
This free, practical guide walks you through the Environmental Monitoring Cycle, a simple framework for collecting and using environmental data more effectively. From setting clear goals to interpreting results, this brief shows how to make monitoring meaningful—without getting lost in spreadsheets.
Whether you’re caring for a museum, library, archive, or historic site, you’ll learn:
How to set achievable goals that align monitoring with preservation priorities
What to measure—and why temperature, humidity, and dew point matter most
Tips for choosing and placing dataloggers to get useful, reliable results
How to turn raw data into clear insights that inform real-world decisions
Includes a step-by-step example scenario, practical tips for saving time and money, and recommended tools to help you make confident, evidence-based improvements to your collection environments.
Emergency Freezing
Not all water emergencies can be handled the same way—especially when mold can take hold in less than 48 hours.
This free, practical guide walks you through the essentials of freezing wet collections to stabilize them safely. From choosing the right freezer to packing techniques, this brief helps you act quickly—without making costly mistakes.
Whether you’re caring for a museum, library, archive, or private collection, you’ll learn:
Which materials are safe to freeze (and which are not)
How to sort, rinse, and pack collections for freezing
Tips for monitoring freezer conditions and avoiding damage
Best practices for thawing, drying, and vendor support
Includes quick-reference key takeaways, a “to freeze or not to freeze” sidebar, and vendor guidance to help you prepare before disaster strikes.
Choosing a Vacuum for Collections Care
Not sure what kind of vacuum is safe for your collection? This free resource breaks it down—HEPA filters, suction control, attachments, and more—so you can clean with confidence (and without overspending).
Key features to look for
Brush recommendations
Trusted brands at every budget
Learn more about our preventive cleaning services and housekeeping workshops