Consultation Helps to Direct CCI Research and Training Activities
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CCI Newsletter, No. 36, Fall 2005
Consultation Helps to Direct CCI Research and Training Activities
by Charles Costain, Director, Conservation and Scientific Services, CCI
Ensuring that CCI's activities continue to meet the needs and priorities of the Canadian heritage community requires regular consultation with conservation professionals across the country. Among the many initiatives carried out for this purpose1 was a survey that CCI conducted at the 2005 annual conference of the Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC)2 to solicit ideas for future CCI research projects and training programs. This was the fourth time that delegates at CAC meetings have been asked for their suggestions on CCI research,3 but the first time that training topics have also been requested.
Methodology
CAC members were advised prior to the conference that CCI would be requesting their opinions about future research and training activities. This gave delegates some time to reflect on these questions, and also allowed members who were not attending the event to submit their proposals. Ideas were collected over the first two days of the conference, and ranked by delegates on the final day. After amalgamating similar ideas, we were left with 32 proposals for research projects and 44 for training.
Results
All of the suggestions we received were very interesting. Some of them were expected, some were a surprise, and a few were difficult to interpret.
The top-ranked idea for research concerned the identification and treatment of plastics in heritage collections. We know that identification of plastics is currently a challenge. With no simple and reliable low-tech methods available, it generally requires equipment and expertise for a technique such as infrared spectroscopy — which is often beyond the means of small institutions. To help with this issue, CCI provides free analytical services to Canadian heritage institutions and also conducts analyses on-site for a modest fee. With regard to treatment, we have previously looked at stabilization and storage of plastics, but have not focused on treatment. To address this need, we will review the fragmentary but growing body of knowledge in this area, and consult with conservators who have developed expertise in the handling and treatment of these objects. After synthesizing existing information and identifying areas that merit additional study, we will carry out the required work as resources become available.
The top-ranked training proposal was for more mid-career opportunities for conservators. We agree that there is a need for advanced training for conservators in Canada, and are exploring the possibility of establishing an ongoing program of mid-career development workshops. In the interim, we are working on plans "New Methods of Cleaning Paper Surfaces" in the summer of 2006.
Tables 1 and 2 list the top five ideas for research and training, respectively, as expressed and ranked by the delegates.
|
Table 1. Research ideas
The top five responses to the question "What is the most important conservation problem that CCI should be addressing through research?" as ranked by delegates at the 2005 annual conference of the CAC in Jasper, Alberta (more complete listing) |
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| Rank | Research idea |
| 1 | Plastics: treatment and identification, conservation methods, deteriorating storage materials |
| 2 | Fine art materials and techniques used by artists in Canada: collaboration between living artists/conservators/art historians to find solutions to conservation challenges resulting in an accessible database |
| 3 | Advocacy: people don't know what conservators are |
| 4 | Availability of conservation-quality supplies in Canada |
| 5 | The long-term storage of records outside of archival facilities (e.g. office storage, records centre storage) |
|
Table 2. Training ideas The top five responses to the question "What areas of professional development are of most importance to you?" as ranked by delegates at the 2005 annual conference of the CAC in Jasper, Alberta (more complete listing) |
|
| Rank | Training idea |
| 1 | Mid-career hands-on training (3-5 days in length) on new ideas and techniques in conservation |
| 2 | Digital photography for conservation documentation |
| 3 | Conservation of acrylic paintings |
| 4 | Update on lighting: new technologies, energy efficiencies |
| 5 | Re-instatement of CCI internships for graduates of conservation programs in Canadian institutions |
I would like to thank all the CAC members and delegates who participated in this survey, and especially Margot Brunn and the organizers of the 2005 CAC conference for fitting it into their busy schedule. Each and every suggestion we received is welcome and has merit. It is unfortunate that our limited resources make it impossible for us to respond immediately to all of them.
- Other consultations with the heritage community include annual meetings
with the Preservation Committee of the Canadian Council of Archives;
discussions with colleagues and presentations at conferences of the
Canadian Museums Association and the International Council of Museums - Committee for
Conservation; and regular contact with clients across the country.
- The 31st annual conference of the CAC was held in Jasper, Alberta,
from May 16 to 21, 2005.
- Previous surveys were held at CAC conferences in Winnipeg (May 1999), Ottawa (May 2000), and Kingston (May 2002).
