The Role of Heritage Studies-based Evaluation Analysis in Establishing Conservation Priorities. The Case of the Old Prints Collection of the Benedictine Convent in Żarnowiec

Abstract

Protection of antique book collections is a complicated and multistage process that demands deliberated maintenance among users, caretakers and owners as well as the appropriate conservation procedures. Undoubtedly, the common goal of everyone who is involved in this process is to keep the collection it in the best possible condition. Unfortunately, storage conditions of books and their state of preservation require in many cases the immediate intervention.

Systematization of demanded actions and establishment of conservation priorities are difficult and very hard to objectivize tasks. In this article we would like to present a method (heritage studies-based evaluation analysis) that may help in solving above mentioned problems. This method is shown in the example of the Żarnowiec Convents old print collection. It has enabled determination of the scope of work and designated objects to be firstly taken care of under the conservation programme.