This paper discusses the application of existing methods for measuring reliability to collection condition survey data. The essential requirement of reliability is understood by conservators but has never been quantified. The relatively recent introduction of computer methods that calculate reliability is mentioned as a significant step towards introducing the practice of ensuring reliability during pilot studies. The paper discusses different methods of quantification, and their qualities, as well as the aims of assessing reliability for condition surveys. The most satisfactory methods, and choosing an appropriate level of reliability for conservation applications are suggested. However, no single number is offered as a standard. It is recommended that more than one index should be used. The paper also describes techniques to use indices to determine causes of disagreement, so reliability can be increased.
Physical and intellectual access to heritage is shaped by conservation through a longterm, cyclic and symbiotic relationship of representation and intervention (or lack of it). This informs future use and representation. Value (which may be assigned for different reasons) makes heritage. All heritage is valued for varied reasons. Some argue that heritage has inherent value; this is not covered in this paper. Some values are preferred over others in decisions on what to use or conserve. The process below describes a number of different recurring phases in this relationship, which differs with different kinds of heritage: 1. Various agents change heritage; 2. Change affects valued elements of heritage; 3. Valued elements affect how change is perceived; 4. What is perceived as damage affects decisions about conservation interventions; 5. Conservation affects which valued elements are most likely to be preserved; 6. Preserved elements influence how heritage is represented; 7. New forms of representation will affect future conservation decisions. Historically, how heritage has been represented has affected how an object is preserved. This affects later representation and use, making the relationship symbiotic.
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