The CWAM Peer Preservation Assessment Program matches trained peer assessors with institutions seeking advice about caring for their collections. Assessors provide a site visit and follow-up report with practical, customized recommendations for improvement.
“It’s good to have an outside entity with a fresh pair of eyes assess one’s program. They see things you don’t and can offer a new perspective for problem solving.” – Assessment Site Testimonial
Interested in becoming a Peer Assessor? Please contact us.
What an assessment involves:
The assessment is a two-hour visit. Administrative and collections staff should be available during the survey; for smaller sites, board members or volunteers with collections care responsibilities may be asked to participate. During the visit, the assessor will review institutional collection management and storage practices and collection condition.
Following the visit, each site surveyed will receive a written report of informed guidelines for preservation action, based on the Peer Assessor’s scope of knowledge and specialized training. The report is designed to help the institution develop preservation policies and expand its knowledge of collections safety and disaster preparedness.
Once they have received the report, surveyed institutions commit to reviewing recommendations with senior management and/or board within three months and developing a preservation action plan within six months. These steps ensure that the assessment builds and sustains a culture of preservation within the institution.
Cost and Funding Resources
The cost for an assessment is $200. Payment by check will be made directly to the Peer Assessor by the Requesting Institution upon submission of report. Requesting Institutions may apply for a CWAM grant to support the cost of an assessment.
Eligibility
Colorado and Wyoming archives, historical societies, libraries and museums that are institutional members of CWAM are eligible to participate in this program.
To apply for a site assessment, please download and complete the Peer Preservation Assessment Application, then submit it by following the instructions on the application. Our coordinator will then contact you.
If you have any questions, please contact us.