Managing uncertainty for preventive conservation

Henderson, Jane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3027-8452 2018. Managing uncertainty for preventive conservation. Studies in Conservation 63 (S1) , S108-S112. 10.1080/00393630.2018.1479936

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Abstract

This paper examines how conservators engage with uncertainty when creating preventive conservation strategies. It argues that by recognising contexts in which uncertainty will be encountered conservators can develop effective management strategies. A typology of uncertainty explores a range of categories of uncertainty, their experience in preventive conservation and identifies distinct approaches to manage them. Managing uncertainty may include acts of defining its parameters, exposing and resolving through communication or protecting from with contingency. Whatever approach is adopted it must be accepted that uncertainty cannot be avoided. It is important therefore to aim to live well with uncertainty and the paper advocates for preventive conservation applications of strategies recommended in health care for patients with life-threatening illnesses. These strategies include working on things that can be controlled, goal setting, acceptance and factoring in emotions. The ability to identify contexts in which uncertainty is inbuilt should trigger those concerned with preventive conservation to activate strategies developed for managing and living well with uncertainty

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	History, Archaeology and Religion
Publisher:	Maney Publishing
ISSN:	0039-3630
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 October 2018
Date of Acceptance:	15 May 2018
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 00:24
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/115452

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