JAIC 2005, Volume 44, Number 3, Article 7 (pp. 233 to 243)
RISK ASSESSMENT OF COLLECTIONS IN EXHIBITIONS AT THE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATUREGARNET MUETHING, ROBERT WALLER, & FIONA GRAHAM
ABSTRACT—For more than 10 years, the Canadian Museum of Nature has been employing a Risk Assessment approach to preventive conservation, identifying and quantifying the most severe risks to collections, in order to effectively allocate resources for risk management. This paper reports on a risk assessment of collection material at the museum's exhibition facility, the Victoria Memorial Museum Building. The assessment identified priorities to consider during planning for a major renovation project. Specific risks were considered to 21 collection units with a total of 1498 specimens. The seven highest risks are discussed in this paper. These risks are damage or loss from light and UV radiation, pest infestation, fire causing smoke damage, physical forces, dust accumulation, theft and sporadic water leaks. As a result of the assessment, we have a description of the current risk to collections, exhibits, and facilities, and increased awareness and common understanding of preventive conservation issues. The results will help staff make informed decisions in their efforts to provide an improved exhibit environment and extend the exhibit life of specimens. [Spanish Abstract] [French Abstract]
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