Fall 2004 Update

The Heritage Health Index is Underway—Deadline Extended

In August 2004, about 15,000 archives, historical societies, libraries, museums, and scientific research organizations across the country received the Heritage Health Index survey. Heritage Preservation, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is conducting the Heritage Health Index to gather comprehensive data on the condition and preservation needs of U.S. collections of all types from art to zoological specimens. Heritage Health Index surveys will continue to be accepted through November so that as many institutions as possible can respond.

Collecting institutions of all types and sizes in all U.S. states and territories were contacted to complete the Heritage Health Index. Their participation is crucial to ensure that the results are representative. Heritage Preservation thanks the institutions that have already submitted their survey. Respondents may reply using the Heritage Health Index survey booklet they received by mail.

The survey form at www.heritagehealthindex.org provides a quicker and more convenient way to respond. In their survey package, institutions were provided a password to access the survey online. The online survey allows respondents to save their work, complete the survey in multiple sittings, have staff members contribute responses, and print their completed questionnaire for their records. Other helpful features of the Heritage Health Index online include one-click access to definitions and Frequently Asked Questions and a calculator tool to compute full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. Participants that submit their survey online will be given access to a running tally of returns by state and type of institution and some of the preliminary results.

The questionnaire, written in consultation with leading preservation professionals, addresses all aspects of collections care. Institutions that have completed the survey have said that it is comprehensive self-assessment useful for long-range planning and funding requests. They are looking forward to the results and the opportunity to compare their preservation needs with national statistics and peer institutions.

Preliminary results from the Heritage Health Index will be featured at the 2004 Heritage Preservation annual meeting on November 19, 2004. The final report is expected in spring 2005 and will include an analysis of the data by type, size, and geographic location of institution. The full Heritage Health Index report will be made available on Heritage Preservation’s Web site. An illustrated summary report featuring key findings and case studies will be sent to participating institutions, national and state policy makers, and the media. The results and recommendations that come out of the Heritage Health Index will be an important reference for years to come for the administrators, policy makers, government agencies, and private funding sources that make decisions that affect the preservation of collections.

In addition to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Heritage Health Index has received funding from the Getty Grant Program and support from the Henry Luce Foundation, Bay Foundation, Samuel H. Kress Foundation, Peck Stacpoole Foundation, and Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.