Electronic Resources for Art Research

Conservation

Learn more about how SAM conservators ensure that the museum provides a safe setting in which to store and display works of art and undertake conservation treatments.

Bibliographic Database of the Conservation Information Network
The BCIN is a conservation, preservation and restoration resource. Its almost 200,000 citations include the first 34 volumes of the Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts (1955–1997) and data contributed from libraries all over the world. An author index and search functions are provided.

Abstracts of International Conservation Literature
AATA Online is one of the many resources provided by the Getty Conservation Institute. It contains over 100,000 literary abstracts on preservation and conservation, including all 36 volumes of Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts (AATA). Users can create a login to save their searches. Additional information and resources can be found at the Getty’s Conservation Institute.

Smithsonian Institute Research Information System
SIRIS allows users to search the collections of the many libraries, museums, archives and research centers that make up the Smithsonian Institution. Links to finding aids and catalogues are also provided.

Conservation OnLine
A full text library of information for conservation professionals, CoOL is operated by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation. The site offers an author index and search tool.

Conservation and Art Material Encyclopedia Online
CAMEO, developed by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, is a searchable database that includes information on more than 10,000 materials. It also includes a directory of conservation-related organizations and information on the Forbes’ Pigment Collection.

Tate Research
The Tate museums in England provide support for many research projects. Information is available on many of the current major projects.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Wiki
This wiki provides access to the AIC Conservation Catalogs, which began in 1985. Provided today as an online resource, it is a collaborative knowledge base that allows for widespread access and availability.

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Blog Archive
The NCPTT is a research division of the National Parks Service. This section provides access to informative articles on archeology and collections.