It Takes Two to Tango: A Conservator’s View of Curator/Conservator Relations

Abstract

This article is the result of the authors’ experiences in a major research library’s Preservation Department and Conservation Laboratory. It was noted by the authors that previous articles have discussed how to decide what should be treated1 and who should make treatment decisions.2 Little has been written concerning what information is needed to make intelligent conservation decisions and how it can be obtained. The RBMS Curators Conservators Discussion Group provides a forum for these issues, but mechanisms must be established to foster effective communication at the institutional level.

Conservation treatment decisions made by one person may not serve the best . . .