techniques

DEPEW, J. N., & JONES, C. L. (1992). A library, media, and archival preservation glossary.

Alphabetical list, source cited at end of scope note, related terms in bold in scope note.

Preface: " The purpose of this glossary is to bring together many of the terms that relate to the conservation and preservation of archival, library and media center materials, many of which are scattered in articles, books, dictionaries, glossaries, and reports throughout the literature of preservation. The terms are drawn not only form the field of library and information science, but from the binding, paper, photographic and preservation reformatting literature, as well. The glossary also contains building, HVAC, insurance and statistical terms that are useful in understanding those aspects of the preservation of informational materials".


GREENFIELD, J. (2002). ABC of bookbinding. New Castle, Del, Oak Knoll.

3 glossaries (see description), 1 index; drawings accompanying scope notes

Glossary of bookbinding terms; glossary of bookbinding's structural evolution; Glossary of binders, designers and styles of decoration; Index of binder's decorations.


Glossary of the paper conservation group of the American Institute for Conservation

"This page was created to gather together the various glossaries found in the Paper Conservation Wiki. Included so far are the glossaries from Adhesives, Hinge, Tape, and Adhesive Removal, Mold, and Written Documentation. This page may eventually be merged with the AIC Wiki Lexicon. Readers may also wish to consult CAMEO or the Ligatus Language of Bindings".

Entries arranged alphabetically. Identifies which section of the Paper Conservation Wiki the term is drawn from - and where further information would be available. Very few references.

Website: "The written documentation glossary is written for paper conservators, related professionals, and other persons who read written documentation created by paper conservators. The glossary's intent is to define specialized terminology used in condition and treatment reports which is not defined in general dictionaries, either adequately or at all. While a completely standardized vocabulary does not yet exist in the field, this glossary is an attempt to gather terms in general use and their meanings. Some terms are more widely used than others, and usage may vary according to individual conservators. Not included in the glossary are terms describing artist's techniques and media which have been well covered in a growing body of literature, such as William Ivins, How Prints Look, Felix Brunner, A Handbook of Graphic Reproduction Processes, Paul Goldman, Looking at Prints, Drawings and Watercolours, etc. "


The AAT is a thesaurus containing generic terms, dates, relationships, sources, and notes for work types, roles, materials, styles, cultures, techniques, and other concepts related to art, architecture, and other cultural heritage (e.g., amphora, oil paint, olieverf, acetolysis, sintering, orthographic drawings, Olmeca, Rinascimento, Buddhism, watercolors, asa-no-ha-toji, sralais). "The four Getty vocabularies are intended to provide terminology and other information about the objects, artists, concepts, and places important to various disciplines that specialize in art, architecture, and material culture. The AAT contains generic terms; it contains no iconographic subjects and no proper names. That is, each concept is a case of many (a generic thing), not a case of one (a specific thing). For example, the generic term cathedral is in the AAT, but the specific proper name Chartres Cathedral is out of scope for the AAT (it would be included in CONA instead)."

Search field - scope note, other terms, hierarchical position, references


Controlled Vocabularies for Use in Rare Book and Special Collections Cataloging, developed and maintained by the Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (ACRL/ALA). These thesauri provide standardized vocabulary for retrieving special collections materials by form, genre, or by various physical characteristics that are typically of interest to researchers and special collections librarians, and for relating materials to individuals or corporate bodies.

Binding terms thesauri: option to search alphabetically or hierarchically. "The Alphabetical List contains unapproved terms and references. To determine whether a term is approved and to determine appropriate usage as described in the Scope Note the full term record must be consulted."

RBMS produce 6 thesauri: Binding Terms; Genre Terms; Paper Terms; Printing & Publishing Evidence; Provenance Evidence; Type Evidence. Examining here: Binding Terms; Genre Terms; Paper Terms


The thesaurus reflects the nature of the British Museum collections, and was originally set up as an internal reference tool. Some areas of terminology may be more specific than others, depending on the level of documentation available, or the size of particular collections.


ROBERTS, M., ETHERINGTON, D., & BROWN, M. R. (1982). Bookbinding and the conservation of books: a dictionary of descriptive terminology.

Entries arranged alphabetically. References at the end of each entry. Small number of images at end. Search facility. References via link.

Preface: " Although this dictionary is intended first and foremost for those actively involved in one or more aspects of the overall field of bookbinding and book conservation, including bookbinders, conservators of library and archival materials, and the like, it is perhaps no less intended for those working in related fields, such as bibliography and librarianship, where the many terms and expressions relating to the overall field may be less familiar and even more confusing... The definitions themselves, .., were, whenever possible, drawn from the most authoritative sources available (as indicated by the number in parentheses at the end of a definition, which refers to the Sources and Bibliography section) and supplemented by the experience of the authors. Even though the bibliography and sources cited represent but a relatively small segment of the extensive corpus of literature in the field of conservation, we believe they provide a reasonably good sampling and may benefit the reader by offering an authoritative source for the terms and sometimes providing a source for further investigation. Definitions that do not cite a source are entirely the responsibility of the authors.

Where a term has more than one definition, each is numbered and arranged in its descending order of significance in relation to bookbinding."


Website: "This Note explains the terminology used by conservators in condition reports for paintings. It will help museum personnel write and maintain accurate condition report records. For detailed information on examination and condition reporting, refer to CCI Notes 10/6 Condition Reporting — Paintings. Part I: Introduction and 10/7 Condition Reporting — Paintings. Part II: Examination Techniques and a Checklist. Technical terms used in other CCI Series 10 Notes are also defined in this glossary."

Listed on one page. Terms are listed alphabetically; followed by their French translation; terms within a definition that are in bold letters can be found as entries in the glossary; “Other term(s)” provides synonyms for the term being defined; “See also” refers to one or many related terms; “See” refers to the term under which the concept is defined; a French–English index, in alphabetical order of French terms, is provided at the end


RAINER, L., GRAVES, K., MAEKAWA, S., GITTINS, M., & PIQUÉ, F. (2017). Conservation of the architectural surfaces in the tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary, Herculaneum: phase 1, examination, investigations, and condition assessment.

Getty Summary: " The Herculaneum Project for the conservation of the architectural surfaces in the tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary (Casa del Bicentenario) is a pilot project, undertaken by the Getty Conservation Institute in collaboration with the Herculaneum Conservation Project and the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum, to study and conserve the wall paintings and mosaic pavement in this room as an example of a conservation methodology that can be used for similar surfaces on other archaeological sites in the Vesuvian region.

This project report documents the examination, investigations, and condition assessment carried out in the tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary during Phase I of the project (2011–16). Chapters include: Description of Architectural Surfaces; Reconstruction and Remounting Materials and Techniques of the Wall Paintings; Previous Interventions (1939–2011); Environmental Assessment; Scientific Report on the Wall Paintings; and Conditions of the Wall Paintings.

The chapters incorporate photographic and graphic documentation illustrating the material discussed. Also included in the report are an illustrated glossary of terms and a selected bibliography of references related to the topic.

Chapters 1 - 6 excavation report. Followed by 'Illustrated Glossary, Architectural surfaces in the tablinium of the House of the Bicentenary'

"This illustrated glossary of documentation terms establishes the vocabulary used to graphically record physical evidence of original technique, previous interventions, and conditions, observed or undertaken during the study of the wall paintings in the tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary at the archaeological site of Herculaneum from 2012 to the present. For each term, the glossary provides a definition, the symbol used in the graphic documentation, and a representative image. Condition definitions are based on visible examination and scientific research. This glossary is a working document. It is intended to be updated as necessary."


ASH, N., HOMOLKA, S., LUSSIER, S., POLLAK, R., SPAULDING, E., & WOLCOTT, R. (2014). Descriptive terminology for works of art on paper: guidelines for the accurate and consistent description of the materials and techniques of drawings, prints, and collages.
Guidelines for the accurate and consistent description of the materials and techniques of drawings, prints, and collages.

Philadelphia Museum of Art summary: "The guidelines presented in this e-publication address the need for more accurate and consistent documentation of the materials and techniques used to create works of art on paper, and are designed to provide museum professionals charged with describing prints and drawings with a step by step approach to describing all aspects of their manufacture. No detailed guide for this has previously existed.

Works of art on paper - Western tradition. "Descriptive Terminology provides a step-by-step approach to identifying and recording information about the materials and manufacture of works of art on paper, and to recording, updating, and adapting media descriptions stored in collections databases. Its users—conservators, curators, registrars, catalogers, and others charged with accurately describing artworks— will bring different levels of knowledge and connoisseurship to the task. The guidelines contained in this publication are intended to help any of them write more meaningful and accurate descriptions through the use of consistent terminology and syntax, regardless of the level of detail ascertained about an artwork. While Descriptive Terminology focuses on art on paper in the Western tradition, many of its guidelines will likely have more universal application."

Conservators, curators and other users bring different types of knowledge and connoisseurship to the task, and the publication also aims to guide those with less experience or without direct access to the physical artworks in recording information that is accurate regardless of level of detail. Another goal is to facilitate recording materials information in museum collections databases – a primary source for collections information on the web.

We hope that the impact of Descriptive Terminology for Works of Art on Paper will be to:
Provide a comprehensive resource for professionals in the fine arts
Enhance the ability of conservators to communicate their knowledge about the material aspects of works of art on paper
Contribute to the education and visual experience of the online and museum visitor

182 pages. Part I: Recording, Accessing, and Adapting Media Descriptions, Part II: Rules of Syntax, Part III: Identification and Characterization of Materials and Techniques. Appendix 1 - guidelines (for cataloguing) summary. Appendix 2 - images.


BEÖTHYNÉ KOZOCSA, & ALBRECHTNÉ KUNSZERI. (1997). Dictionary of book and paper conservation in five languages. Budapest, Országos Széchényi Könyvtár.

Preface: "This dictionary contains the terms most frequetly used to refer to basic techniques, materials, tools and equipment applied in book and paper conservation, bookbinding and certin techniques of print and drawing. Entries are arranged alphabetically in each of the five divisions and the finding of synonymes for the Hungarian terms is facilitated by a cross reference system. The words in brackets are meant as clues to, rather than explanations of, the precise meaning of the terms.W Described as a dictionary but no scope notes given. A translation aid - the terms are given in Hungarian; German; English; French, Italian

PDF: 62 pages (for version starting with English language). Each line has one word in five languages. No scope notes. Book: Five sections - one per language - in which the entries are arranged alphabetically according to the main language. English as the lead language - 76 pages, 16 entries per page


BUCHER, W. W. (1996). Dictionary of building preservation. New York [etc.], Preservation Press.

Introduction: "[This book] is intended to serve two main purposes: first, to clarify the specialized terms used in the preservation field in the United States and Canada; and second, to allow a recorder to fully describe a historic resource".

Alphabetical list, linked terms in scope notes highlighted in bold


English definitions with translations into Bulgarian, Croatian, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish and Turkish. "The EwaGlos project, and this publication which arises as a result of it, represents an important step to create a much neededtool to facilitate communication across cultures and languages through the medium of word and image."

"450 pages with an English introduction, the illustrated glossary, a materials appendix (practically without figures), and eleven indices (one for each language), as well as a bibliography." The work is divided into: (a) Art and Craft Techniques: Construction, Surface Design, Construction aids (b) Condition: Deterioration Sources, Deterioration Phenomena (C) Interventions: Documentation and Investigation, Preventive Conservation, Conservation, Restoration (d) Materials Appendix.


IGNATIADOU, D., & ANTONARAS, A. (2008). Hyalourgia, archaia kai mesaionike: orologia, technologia kai typologia : Hellenoangliko-Angloelleniko lexiko = Glassworking, ancient and medieval : terminology, technology, and typology : a Greek-English, English-Greek dictionary. Thessalonike, Kentro hellenikes glossas, Tmema lexikographias.


Nogueira (ed.) (1988). Glossary of Basic Archival and Library Conservation Terms. English with equivalents in Spanish, German, Italian, French and Russian. ICA (International Counciil on Archives) Handbooks Series Volume 4.

Introduction: "This Glossary is a first attempt to fill what has been perceived by the Conservation and Restoration Committee of the International Council on Archives as a serious gap in the range of publications available to archivists, librarians, and conservators on the all-important subject of archive and library conservation."

Alphabetically listed, short scope note, translation of English term into five other languages


XARRIÉ, M. (2005). Glossary of conservation. Barcelona, Balaam.

3 volumes to this. Glossary of Conservation (2005); Glossary of Art Conservation II (2006); Glossary of Art Conservation III (2006). [For this exercise, only vol II was examined but this volume has index for both vol. I and II, so information drawn from this with regard to content, no. of entries etc.]

Entries arranged alphabetically; Source for scope note given - can be multiple scope notes per entry depending on number of sources used. In examples checked, the source note is a quotation from the source. Source notes, then, may not be original. Bibliography & Index included at end. Vol. II includes bibliography for Vol. I and II combined


"Graphics Atlas is a sophisticated resource that presents a unique, object-based approach for the identification and characterization of prints and photographs. Includes visual guides for colour, deterioration, etc." This includes a controlled vocabulary.

Divided into four processes - pre-photographic, photomechanical, photographic, digital. Each then subdivided. Very detailed scope notes and images.


Definition of terms from various sources: Mosaics - Illustrated Glossary - Technician Training for the Maintenance of In Situ Mosaics. 2014, by Getty Conservation Institute and Institut National du Patrimoine (Tunis); ICOMOS-ISCS: Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns; EwaGlos – European Illustrated Glossary of Conservation Terms for Wall Paintings and Architectural Surfaces; Petra (Jordan) Archaeological Park Weathering and Deterioration Definitions in English and Arabic
Michael Imhof Verlag, Petersberg 2015, Germany. Translations into Bulgarian, Croatian, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish and Turkish.

One page, list of terms arranged alphabetically. Brief scope notes


BURDEN, E. E. (2004). Illustrated dictionary of architectural preservation: restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, reuse. New York, McGraw-Hill.

Introduction: "This architectural dictionary carries .. [the function of a dictionary] … to another level , by illustrating many of the definitions with photographs of the elements in their location on the structures… There are two other dsitinctive features of this dictionary. First, there are listings of many historic architects... Second, there are listings of many historic preservation architectural firms practicing today who renovated the buildings that were created by the historic architects listed."

Entries arranged alphabetically

Includes names of architects, architectural firms


DOHERTY, T., & WOOLLETT, A. T. (2009). Looking at paintings: a guide to technical terms. Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum.

Presents concise and readable glossary of the technical terms most often countered by museum-goers. This new edition pays special attention to the processes and methods of paintings conservation; it also offers definitions and examples of materials and techniques--such as color field and collage--that did not appear in the earlier volume. With illustrations, all in color, that have been specially chosen from the masterpieces in the J. Paul Getty Museum and other collections, this book will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of painting.

Foreword: " This guide is intended as a guide for the museum visitor who wishes to know more about the materials and techniques of the paintings, as well as the rerminology used to describe their visual effects".

Alphabetical entries. No references in scope notes. Index of entries at end.

Paintings. Preface to the revised edition: " This new edition reflects the impact of trends in the field of art history and in painitng conservation in recent years. Terms from the practice of conservation have come to infomr the discussion and interpretation of paintings in exhibitions and in didactic materials within museums today. A substantial number of terms related to condition and process, both historical and scientific, have been added to the original text."


One page, list of terms arranged alphabetically. Brief scope notes


Weathering and deterioration of stone. With images. In Arabic and English.

1. Detachment of stone material (followed by 1.1 - 1.5); 2. Loss of stone material (2.1 - 2.7); 3. Formation of deposits on the stone material (3.1 - 3.10); 4. Cracking (4.1 - 4.3); 5. Structural instability (no subgroups); 6. Collapsed wall; 7. Deterioration of plaster and mortar (7.1 - 7.3); References (3 listed).


The Thesaurus for Graphic Materials is a tool for indexing visual materials by subject and by genre/format. The thesaurus includes more than 7,000 subject terms and 650 genre/format terms to index types of photographs, prints, design drawings, ephemera, and other pictures.

Website: "The Thesaurus for Graphic Materials is a tool for indexing visual materials by subject and by genre/format. The thesaurus includes more than 7,000 subject terms and 650 genre/format terms to index types of photographs, prints, design drawings, ephemera, and other pictures. In 2007, the subject and genre/format vocabularies, previously maintained separately, were merged into a single list and migrated to new software, MultiTes."

No scope notes. Use other term to define search term and link to image. If searching for genre/format, entry in form of: Term; Broader terms - option to 'check for pictures with these index terms'; Related terms option to 'check for pictures with these index terms'; notes; URI OR if using subject search term, no scope note. Possible to search for variant terms.

Prints, photographs, design drawings, ephemera, and other pictures