Why start here

Anyone who works with heritage – in libraries, archives, museums or other cultural institutions – knows that resources are always limited. But what often goes unnoticed is that most conservation problems don’t happen suddenly. They develop slowly, silently, until it’s too late.

Starting with preventive conservation is about reversing that logic. It's about stopping before running, observing before intervening, planning before acting. This is where the conservation plan comes in: an essential tool to understand what’s at risk, what needs to be done, and where to start.

What preventive conservation is (and what it is not)

Preventive conservation is the field of conservation dedicated to protecting cultural heritage without directly touching the objects. It is not about restoration or physical intervention, but about creating conditions that slow down or prevent deterioration.

It involves controlling the environment (temperature, humidity, light), ensuring proper housing, encouraging good handling practices, and planning the organisation of spaces. Above all, it’s about preventing damage – even when no obvious threats are visible.

Preventive conservation works through a layered system: the building protects the room, the room protects the cabinet, the cabinet protects the box, and the box protects the object.

Conservation plans: what they are and why they matter

A conservation plan is a technical document that identifies the risks and needs of a collection, defines priorities, and proposes concrete measures to ensure its preservation. It can be more or less complex, but it is always a practical tool tailored to the institution's context.

Unlike an isolated diagnosis, a plan doesn’t stop at describing problems. It points the way forward: which risks are most serious? Which are the most urgent? What actions are realistic given the available resources? Where will external support be needed? And how can all this be integrated into the institution’s broader goals?

So… is this just “common sense”?

Many aspects of preventive conservation may seem obvious: don’t stack heavy books on fragile notebooks, avoid humidity, dust regularly, don’t leave windows open. But without a technical and systematic view, mistakes pile up:

– The shelf looks perfect… but it's against a wall with damp issues.

– Digitisation is underway… but the original photographs haven’t been stabilised or prepared for scanning.

– Gloves are used… but they’re cotton, which trap dirt and contaminants, shed fibres, and tear fragile papers.

A conservation plan helps to see the bigger picture, set priorities, and avoid misleading solutions.

First steps any institution can take

Even before having a full conservation plan, there are simple steps that any team can implement:

But to ensure effectiveness, sustainability, and correct prioritisation of actions, a technical plan remains the best route.

To conclude: conservation is deciding well, ahead of time

Preventive conservation is not a luxury. It’s a smarter, more cost-effective, and longer-lasting way to care for collections.

A conservation plan helps institutions stop reacting and start anticipating.

It allows for evidence-based decisions.

Setting priorities.

Avoiding waste.

And building more autonomous and informed management.

Conservation is not just preserving what exists.

It’s creating the conditions for heritage to continue making sense into the future.