The Preservation Answer Machine
Don't let your memories disappear!

I created a custom search engine so you can find utterly reliable preservation information online. There's a ton of preservation advice on the Internet, but unfortunately some of it very bad advice. How can you tell the difference? The good news is that you don't have to! My Preservation Answer Machine only searches reliable sources like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian (and this humble little website).
How to use The Preservation Answer Machine: Simply type in your query and hit the search button. Let's say you just inherited a box of photographs and they seem to be covered in mold. Just type in the keyword "mold" below, hit "search" and you'll be taken to a list of websites.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Google stays in business because they add "Sponsored Links" to every results page. All the links at the top and along the right hand side of your results page are advertisements. These links have NOT been vetted by me and I cannot guarantee their accuracy. But the rest of the links are spot-on. Ready? Time to test the Answer Machine

FREE PRESERVATION INFORMATION

1. Articles & Preservation Fact Sheets

2. Preservation Spotlight

3. More Free Preservation Info Online (external links)

The Internet is packed with information and advice about how you should take care of your family treasures. Unfortunately, some of it is terrible advice. How can you tell the difference? Well, unless you already know the answers...you can't.

To help you out, I've pulled together a small set of utterly reliable information. You should be able to find answers to all your questions within these pages. If not, give me a call or send an email, and I'll gladly point you in the right direction.

Happy surfing!

Conservation Online (CoOL)
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/genpub/

CoOL is a full text library of conservation information brought to you by the good folks at Stanford University Libraries. The main site is aimed at professional archivists and conservators, but the link above will take you to their collection of information written for the general public. This is a HUGE meta-list.

They cover just about everything you need to know, including the preservation of photographs, books, textiles and art; electronic records and digital files; disaster planning/response; mold; and how to find a professional conservator.

Click here to search CoOL's site for a specific topic.

Smithsonian Center for Materials Research & Education (SCMRE)
http://www.si.edu/scmre/takingcare/guidelines.htm

The staff specialists at SCMRE have compiled Guideline pamphlets on a wide variety of subjects. Here you will find downloadable brochures about how to take care of furniture, paintings, paper-based materials and textiles. They also have an entire section on bugs, insects and pests.

Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)
http://www.nedcc.org/

The NEDCC publishes a large number of technical leaflets. Browse the entire list here.

The leaflet I recommend most often is "Care of Photographs." Read it here.

Conservation work is extremely time intensive. It always reminds me of someone digging up an enormous dinosaur with a teeny tiny brush. Thank goodness for conservators with endless patience!

Sally J. Jacobs, Archivist Phone: (608) 332-1494 Email: sally@jacobsarchival.com Web: www.jacobsarchival.com