Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections Nomination Tips
Awards home | AIC nomination guidelines
This national preservation award was first presented in 1999. In subsequent years, many worthy institutions have been brought to the attention of the award committee. The following suggestions are based on questions and comments from committee members and might serve as guidelines for information that is helpful during the evaluation process.
The committee members have found that it is helpful to see evidence of:
- Involvement of senior conservation professionals who are recognized by their peers, such as Fellows or Professional Associates of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). (Please note: basic membership in the AIC is not an indicator of professional status, as this is available to anyone who pays dues as an Associate Member or subscribes to the journals. Fellowship or Professional Associate status is awarded only after peer review.) Please include brief (one page or less) summaries of the professional credentials of key conservation professionals and describe the role they have played at your institution.
- A systematic approach to long-term planning for collections care. This can be demonstrated by descriptions of maintenance plans, condition surveys, future treatment priorities, staffing plans, disaster preparedness guidelines, or storage redesign and upgrades.
- Community impact and involvement. This can be demonstrated by fundraising efforts, volunteer programs, or educational activities with community groups and schools.
- Outreach in the form of websites, radio and television coverage, or local newspaper articles.
- Attempts to recruit support from multiple financial and or personnel resources.
- Exemplary work and achievements. This award seeks to recognize organizations and programs that can be held up as models for others to emulate.
The committee notes that many successful applicants have submitted for several award cycles. Resubmissions, particularly with updated information, are always welcome.