Archaeological Collections Management

Module Synopsis

This module provides information on established principles of collections management and preventive conservation as they apply to the special requirements of archaeological collections. These include the necessity to store artifacts and sample material, already altered by burial and possibly by treatment, in conditions that will protect the materials from further deterioration. The preservation of the archive that accompanies an archaeological collection is also addressed, as is risk assessment as it relates to archaeological collections.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• understand the principles of preventive conservation as they apply to archaeological collections
• plan facilities for archaeological collections
• assess risks for archaeological collections
• develop a disaster plan to mitigate damage
• choose suitable storage and packing methods to ensure the preservation of artifacts, sample material, and the archaeological archive
  

Units

Preventive Conservation
Principles of preventive conservation. Elements of a collection that require special storage conditions, and preventive measures to protect those elements. Programs to monitor the health of a collection.

Facilities Planning
Environmental control, requirements for storage of archaeological collections, materials and storage units for housing mixed collections. Specialized storage, including refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage for sensitive materials.

Risk Assessment
Evaluating risks to a collection and developing a plan to mitigate them. Assigning priority for different types of artifacts.

Disaster Planning
Organizing staff to respond to an emergency or disaster. Agencies to contact as part of disaster planning. Emergency equipment that should be in place in the collections facility. Specialized training for staff.

Storage and Packing
Packing treated and untreated artifacts. Factors that influence the choice of materials and techniques. Methods and materials recommended for custom-made packaging. Use of commercially available containers. Anoxic storage containers.

Target Audience

Archaeologists, archaeology students, and conservators who may have to deal with archaeological objects.

Facilitator(s)

Any of the following, depending on availability:Tara Grant, Judy Logan, Charlotte Newton

Language

English

Special Requirements

Slide projector, flipcharts, overhead projector.

Customization Options

The workshop organizer is encouraged to contact the instructors directly to discuss details about the workshop content.

Enrollment Limits

Minimum 10; maximum 20

Duration

2 days