Preservation Training, Resources, and Assessments to Ensure the Persistence of Humanities Collections

FAIN: PE-284349-22

Northeast Document Conservation Center, Inc. (Andover, MA 01810-1438)
Ann Marie Willer (Project Director: May 2021 to September 2024)

A wide range of preservation and access activities, including addressing preservation emergencies through continuation of a 24/7 Collections Emergency Hotline and workshops on disaster planning and response, producing reference materials and updating the website, and building training webinars and online courses.

As a respected preservation and conservation resource for organizations of all sizes, the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) will continue to transform its preservation field services with the goal of increasing the knowledge and skills of collections care professionals—at all levels—in the long-term care and stewardship of paper-based and photographic collections, audiovisual materials, and digital objects. Through this project, NEDCC will provide free of charge: 8 one-day hands-on disaster preparedness workshops in disaster areas along the Atlantic coast; 8 general preservation pre-assessments; “Ask NEDCC” reference service; 24/7 collections emergency hotline; and supply kits for 2 hands-on webinars. Funding will support staff time to update the free Preservation Leaflets, maintain free online resources and textbooks, and develop 4 new webinars. The project will also fund student rates for webinars, workshops, and web courses and contract authors for 2 Leaflet revisions.

Associated Products

Atlantic Coast Preparedness Workshop Series (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Atlantic Coast Preparedness Workshop Series
Author: Stephanie Garafolo, NEDCC Associate Preservation Specialist
Abstract: Eight low-cost workshops were presented in or adjacent to federally-declared disaster areas along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. These full-day in-person workshops supplemented participating institutions’ internal disaster planning activities and included opportunities for hands-on learning. Products include presentation slides, handouts, publicity materials, and planning documents.
Date Range: March 31 – September 21, 2023
Location: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia
Primary URL: https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/acpw
Primary URL Description: This was the primary URL for the Atlantic Coast Preparedness Workshops with information about the on-site events, dates, and locations. The URL has been deactivated since the registration deadline is past.

Report of a Preservation Needs Pre-Assessment (Report)
Title: Report of a Preservation Needs Pre-Assessment
Author: Alison Fulmer, NEDCC Associate Preservation Specialist
Abstract: As part of the free “pre-assessments” funded by NEH, Preservation staff create reports following a site visit. These reports include a summary of the visit and tailored recommendations for collection management, storage environment, emergency preparedness, and collections storage and handling.
Date: 04/29/2022
Primary URL: https://www.nedcc.org/assessments-and-consultations/about
Primary URL Description: NEDCC offers different types of assessments to evaluate humanities collections. Clients use the resulting assessment reports to support preservation planning and grant applications. This page explains the different assessments available.
Access Model: Client only

Writing a Collection Management Policy: Step-by-Step Webinar (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Writing a Collection Management Policy: Step-by-Step Webinar
Abstract: This new webinar covered the essential components of a collection management policy for libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage organizations. Participants learned how to write a collection management policy that standardizes the acquisition, management, preservation, and provision of access to collections in their organization.
Author: Ann Marie Willer, NEDCC Director of Preservation Services
Date: 03/21/2022
Location: Zoom
Primary URL: https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/training-currentlist
Primary URL Description: The primary URL for these new webinars is a link to the NEDCC Current Training Programs page. This page lists all the upcoming webinars, courses, and registration links.

FADGI Demystified Webinar (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: FADGI Demystified Webinar
Abstract: This new webinar provided both an introduction to and a critical engagement with the Technical Guidelines for Digitizing Cultural Heritage Materials (2016), published by the Still Image Working Group - aka FADGI. The webinar begins with a history of image quality standards and guidelines in the US and abroad. It then proceeds to consider the intentions behind standards-based digitization and the specific aspects of image quality of concern. Finally, the intended application and practical implementation of FADGI will be discussed, considering both the advantages and disadvantages of strict adherence to standards-based workflows. Please note that while technical standards are the subject of discussion, the webinar is designed for audience members of varying backgrounds and skill levels.
Author: Terrance D'Ambrosio, NEDCC Director of Imaging Services
Date: 05/25/2022
Location: Zoom
Primary URL: https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/training-currentlist
Primary URL Description: The primary URL for these new webinars is a link to the NEDCC Current Training Programs page. This page lists all the upcoming webinars, courses, and registration links.

Creating an Integrated Pest Management System Webinar (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Creating an Integrated Pest Management System Webinar
Abstract: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a proactive, preventative, and low-toxicity approach that can safely reduce pests in your building and protect your collections from damage. Participants in this new webinar learned about the phases of IPM, including prevention, monitoring, identification, and intervention. Additionally, the instructor will cover good practices for developing, implementing, and managing an IPM program. The recommendations provided apply to libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other collections-holding institutions, and will equip participants to create or improve IPM programs at their own organizations.
Author: Stephanie Garafolo, NEDCC Associate Preservation Specialist
Date: 11/08/2022
Location: Zoom
Primary URL: https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/training-currentlist
Primary URL Description: The primary URL for these new webinars is a link to the NEDCC Current Training Programs page. This page lists all the upcoming webinars, courses, and registration links.

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