Introduction

The "Framework for Preservation of Museum Collections" outlines various methods that can be used to avoid or control potential deterioration to museum objects. This online version is based on the popular wall chart available from CCI.

The rows list nine agents of deterioration that affect museum objects, and include the type of damage that each can cause. The first five agents (direct physical forces; thieves, vandals, and displacers; fire; water; and pests) are widespread throughout the world. The last four agents (contaminants; radiation; incorrect temperature; and incorrect relative humidity) are of particular concern to museums. The agents are listed in rough order of importance according to their potential for damaging artifacts. Each term chosen describes a destructive agent. For example, "temperature" in and of itself does not cause damage, but "incorrect temperature" does.

The columns present three different levels at which the agents of deterioration can be controlled: Building Features, Portable Fittings, and Procedures. Building Features and Portable Fittings are listed separately because they usually have different budgets and personnel, and because they are dealt with at different times in the life of a museum. Building Features and Portable Fittings are further subdivided by location of artifacts: on display, in storage, or in transit. The Procedures column outlines actions that can be taken by staff or contractors once the building features and portable fittings are in place.

It may not be necessary or feasible for every museum to implement all of the control measures. Each museum must decide on the most effective combination for its particular collection, purpose, and resources.

Each square or cell within the matrix is broken down into five stages: Avoid, Block, Detect, Respond, and Recover/Treat. These stages are indicated within each square and are listed in decreasing order of preference. If an agent is successfully avoided, it will not have to be blocked, detected, responded to, or recovered from. If, however, an agent of deterioration cannot be avoided or blocked, then the other stages must come into play. The first four stages constitute preventive conservation. The last stage of recovery or treatment involves repair, conservation, and restoration of the affected artifact. Click on "Stages of Response" for more information.