How to Work with NEDCC on a Preservation Assessment
Letters of Commitment for Grant Applications
NEDCC frequently provides letters of commitment and staff resumes to support grant applications. If you are planning to apply for a grant, please take note of the grant application deadline, and contact NEDCC as early as possible in the process to discuss your project.
Obtaining a Proposal
To obtain an estimate, proposal, or letter of commitment for a preservation assessment, contact an NEDCC Preservation Specialist at 978-470-1010 or [email protected]. Be prepared to provide information about the scope and size of the collections (e.g., linear feet, number of volumes or boxes, etc.) and your goals for the assessment. This will allow the Preservation Specialist to determine the amount of time needed on-site. A written proposal outlining the scope of the assessment and its cost can generally be sent within one week.
Scheduling
A signed proposal is required before we can begin work on your project. Once the approval is received, the consultant will contact the client to select a date for the site visit. To allow both the consultant and the client adequate preparation time, site visits are scheduled a minimum of one month in advance and most typically three months in advance. Please allow ample lead-time to plan for your assessment, as consultants’ schedules can be fully booked several months in advance.
Preparing for the Assessment
Upon scheduling the site visit, the consultant will send a copy of NEDCC’s Pre-Visit Questionnaire, to be completed and returned by the client approximately two weeks prior to the date of the site visit. The Questionnaire is an important component of the assessment process, providing the consultant with information about project goals, local priorities, and basic information about the building, collection management, and storage practices.
Delivery of the Report
A draft of the report is generally sent to the client 8 to 10 weeks after completion of the site visit. Clients are asked to review the report and communicate any necessary changes or corrections within a month of receipt. The final report will be delivered as soon as possible thereafter.
Fees
Letters of commitment are provided free of charge. Cost estimates include travel expenses and consulting time. The number of days for the on-site visit and report-writing will vary depending on the size and scope of the assessment project.
Financial Terms
Payment is due when an invoice has been issued. This is generally done upon delivery of the final report. Any other payment terms must be authorized through the Center’s financial office.
Funding Sources
Funding for preservation assessments is available from a variety of regional, state, and federal funding agencies. Visit NEDCC's Funding Opportunities webpage for more information and deadlines.
Appraisal and Authentication
NEDCC does not authenticate, appraise, date, or attribute historic and artistic works. If you wish to consider the market value of an object, please consult a professional appraiser. To find an appraiser, please visit the websites of either the Appraisers Association of America at www.appraisersassoc.org or the American Society of Appraisers at www.appraisers.org.
Collection Assessments
To obtain a letter of commitment for a collection-level or item-by-item assessment, contact the Directions of Audio Preservation, Book Conservation, or Paper and Photograph Conservation. For more information, see Working with Collection Assessments and Consultations.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Preservation Services at [email protected] or phone (978) 470-1010.