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Conservators are highly trained professionals
with specialized knowledge and skills in sciences, humanities, and
studio art, which enables them to undertake the study and treatment
of cultural property. Working in the interdisciplinary field of conservation
involves a variety of activities, such as carrying out technical and
scientific studies, restoring the structure and reintegrating the
appearance of deteriorated cultural artifacts, and establishing the
controlled environments necessary for preservation. Achieving professional
expertise requires specialized advanced education, such as that offered
through graduate level conservation training programs.
The Preservation
and Condervation Studies (PCS) program at the School of Information
at the University of Texas at Austin is the foremost degree
program in the world for the training of professionals in the field
of preservation and conservation of library and archival materials.
PCS plays a major role in advancing conservation knowledge and practice.
PCS students learn the art and science of collections care and the
methods of managing and promoting preservation activities in order
to fulfill the fundamental goal of extending the life of materials
in libraries and archives to serve the need for which they are held.
Since its inception as the Conservation Education Program in the
School of Library Service at Columbia University in 1981, PCS has
graduated more than 130 students. These conservators and preservation
administrators occupy leading positions in cultural institutions
around the world applying the fundamental concepts of whole collections
management.
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