Preventive Conservation and Risk Assessment of Museum Collections: A Case Study of Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Islamabad

Abstract

This paper discusses preventive conservation issues and risk factors of the collections in the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Islamabad. Qualitative, diagnostic, research design is the method through which the study will combine field observations, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews to help identify major threats to museum objects and infrastructure. The discussion will be organized based on the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) system of agents of deterioration (environmental, biological, and human-induced). The results suggest that dusts, changes in temperature and humidity, exposure to light, and water, pests, and lack of proper security measures are some of the primary risks. These aspects cause material decay, structural erosion, and cultural erosion. The research points at the lack of systematic environmental surveillance and preventive conservation procedures in the institution. Although the research relies on the conceptual support of the previous GIS-based research, it focuses on the practical and low-cost mitigation measures specific to the work of museums in the developing countries. The research will also help improve heritage conservation since it provides a systematic method of risk evaluation that may be used in other cultural institutions.

Keywords: Preventive conservation; Risk assessment; Museum collections; Cultural heritage management; Agents of deterioration.