The HRC thanks Kathleen Craughwell-Varda, Project Manager, Conservation ConneCTion, Connecticut State Library, in Hartford, CT, for volunteering to be a guest author for the following entry and for sharing her insight and experience with our readers.

Trying to find reliable sources on caring for historic collections can be difficult, unless you know where to look. The Internet can be a wonderful tool for finding information and resources on collections care. Let me lead you on a tour of some of my favorite Web sites.

A wonderful place to begin is the IMLS Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action Web site. Here you will find out the latest news and events pertaining to this multi-faceted, multi-year program that focuses on the collection care needs of institutions, large and small, nationwide.

This program is a direct response to the results of the 2005 Heritage Health Index, which was the first nationwide survey to assess the needs of collections and collecting institutions.

In response to the survey, the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf was assembled, based on the recommendations of preservationists and conservators, as a resource for museums on collections care.

Although applications are no longer being accepted to receive free copies of the Bookshelf, the User Guide, which provides a list and description of all the texts, is still available online. Look over the list, if you don't have any of these titles, read the descriptions and see which ones would work for you - they are a must for anyone in charge of collections and can be found through a simple online search.

(All books found in the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf are available to be borrowed from the HRC Lending Library).

If you prefer your information in a paperless format the Web site includes A Guide to Online Resources, which is organized by subject heading and includes more than 250 links.

Heritage Preservation also has a great Web site. They are responsible for the Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) and have information on the Heritage Health Index survey.

Included on the HHI page is the Heritage Health Index Resources for Collections link. Although it has not been updated since 2007, it provides links for disaster planning, locating a conservator, staff training opportunities, funding, and more.

And finally, if you are looking for one Web site that provides links to a wide array of collection care topics, including finding a conservator, downloading forms, creating an emergency plan, buying archival supplies, etc. be sure to visit the Conservation ConneCTion website, part of Connecticut's response to the IMLS Connecting to Collections initiative.

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