Course Information

Instructor: Jake Nadal

Location: Online

Mode: Online

Dates: August 12–16, 2024

Tuition: $1200.00

Course Description

Preservation is fundamental to the conceptual mission of libraries, archives, museums, and other collecting institutions. In practice, though, the value proposition of acting on behalf of future generations has trouble competing with the myriad of other goals and requirements these institutions face. This course will survey the current state of practice in preservation and conservation, explore the distinctive present-tense value that these professional capabilities provide, and look in-depth at how these crucial mission functions can be successfully integrated into the real-life operations of collecting institutions. Case studies will include reflect on collections and institutions of different types and sizes and explore how to make the business case and the mission statement work together. The course will highlight the ways that preservation adds value through both perpetuating the collections and serving as a gateway to topics that are present-tense concerns for collecting institutions. Examples include STEM education, equity and inclusion efforts, cultural diplomacy, fundraising and development, and sustainability. Participants in the course will gain an up-to-date understanding of preservation methods and current knowledge about heritage materials, and ideas for how collections care can integrate with and amplify the value of their institutions mission and goals.