In 2017, the Library of Congress was recognized by the American Institute for Conservation for its long-standing program of educating conservators and supporting professional development. I was honored to take part in accepting this award and give some remarks at a celebration:
The Library of Congress is honored to receive the 2017 Distinguished Award for the Advancement of the Field of Conservation, an award given by AIC, the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, to recognize institutions that provide vital and long-standing support for the professional development of conservators.
The Preservation Directorate has long history of support for training and education programs. These include the Topics in Preservation Series, which are now webcast live and archived for future viewing; the Visiting Scholars and Scientists Program; our fellowships and internships; and Preservation Symposia on a variety of topics.
We were delighted to learn that AIC chose to recognize the Library of Congress this year and we aspire to be worthy recipients.
The Library is in a unique position in the field of conservation, after all, with an extraordinary diversity of collections supported by a tremendous group of conservators, scientists, curators, and researchers who possess tremendous expertise and exceptional depths of experience.
The Library of Congress is also a library. That means we are a place for the exchange of ideas and sharing of information, and it means we are always looking for new ideas and information to acquire.
Contributing to the education and professional development of conservators and scientists ensures the transfer of knowledge and expertise throughout the field, while also bringing in new ideas into the library and providing opportunities to review and improve our technique.
Our educational programs are part of a truly virtuous circle, something that is beneficial to our mission and to the vitality of the conservation profession. I will turn the floor over to our Chief of Conservation, Elmer Eusman, and our Chief of Research and Testing, Fenella France, to offer their comments and review of our programs, but not without saying the most important thing one more time, which is: That we are honored to be selected for this award, we are grateful to the American Institute for Conservation for this recognition, and we are grateful for everything the Institute does to support and advance the profession.