"The purpose of this book is to provide practical information so that you can care for your objects in an informed manner. The first line of defense is always preventive conservation. Knowing what you should and shouldn't do is crucial. Knowledge of materials is also of paramount importance in helping you understand how objects change over time and what the susceptibilities to damage might be. Finally, advice about proper storage and display will aid in providing an environment that is conducive to prolonging the life of your objects. Also included in our discussions are the procedures that can be safely done by an owner as well as those that require the services of conservation professionals"--