Organizational Tips and Analog Tools for Busy Conservators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Most conservators find joy in learning intimately about an object through the process of rendering it whole. Yet many in our field experience static funding compounded by the burden of additional administrative responsibilities. While continuing to focus on the treatment of collection items, we must also manage staff and attend to the preventative conservation needs of our collections. Bridging these worlds requires vastly different skills and types of focus. The author has tested a number of systems for expanding productivity while also serving in a multifaceted position as the head of a conservation department. After initially investing in digital technology to bolster efficiency she has ultimately found that selectively decreasing or eliminating the use of some forms of technology has, surprisingly, actually increased efficiency. This paper presents effective use of analog tools and strategies that boost not only management and conservation treatment performance, but also deepen work-life fulfilment.