User:Ramseysarah94/sandbox

Collections Care Specialist
A Collections Care Specialist is an individual that works with or under the supervision of a conservator and is skilled in the preventative care and treatment of collections in public, private, or non-profit institutions.

==Basic Skills == Preventative Care is the basic care of objects and materials to prevent damage from a large number of hazards such as light, dust, pests, water, falls, fire, etc.
 * Pest Control can include activities that prevent pests (bugs, rodents, birds, etc.) by:
 * 1) creating a clean environment
 * 2) monitoring the collection space for evidence of pests
 * 3) inspecting incoming and outgoing objects for signs of infestation
 * 4) Knowing the proper treatment for the elimination of pests
 * Handling is the direct contact with an object in a collection using specialized techniques
 * 1) the use of cotton or vinyl gloves compared to clean bare hands
 * 2) shifting and moving objects by supporting from the base with both hands
 * 3) assessing structural integrity before moving object
 * Preservation
 * 1) Knowledge of chemistry in order to assess makeup of object
 * 2) Ability to address deterioration of objects and prevent further damage without discrediting authenticity
 * 3) Drawing up treatment plans with conservators to present to the collection manager and curator
 * 4) Keeping the environment in storage and public spaces as close to the ideal 70 degrees with 50 percent relative humidity

Documentation and Legality
Collection care specialists must document each object in their care meticulously to avoid complications with provenance. Those involved with collections have the responsibility to uphold the integrity of the museum, object, and profession by documenting all changes regarding objects and by noting all information about provenance and research in an object file. According to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, the collection team must also be open and honest about human remains and ritual items held in their care.