Database and software for conservation records

An innovative online database and documentation software called
hericare (heritage conservation and restoration experience) has
recently been uploaded (<URL:http://www.hericare.de>). hericare
offers easy access to practical and up-to-date information from all
lines of specialization in conservation-restoration.

Documentation software: With the help of the documentation program
hericare-docu, conservators can create documentation records of
their current preservation projects in a fast and easy way. Each
record will be subdivided into the chapters Object Identification,
Object History, Materials and Methods, Condition, Treatment Plan and
Measures. The structure stays on a general level, so as to guarantee
that all areas of specialization can be covered. Users can attach
existing files to particular input fields, or copy text blocks from
existing text files and paste them into the input fields. Drop-down
menus and internal databases for literature, pictures,
investigations, addresses and products assist them in their
documentation work. Export/Import-functions facilitate the
cooperation of several participants in a project.

The records can be converted into RTF files, allowing users to edit
them in their own text processing program. The records can thus be
adapted to a corporate design or to any form layout which customers
or clients may use. If imparted to the Hornemann Institute, the
documentation records will be published in the online
hericare-database.

Online database: hericare-database offers a variety of options to
search the increasing inventory of documentation records.
Information about applied measures and products in
conservation-restoration is available here. A forum permits the
exchange of information, ideas and comments on the described
techniques and products.

Documentation records created by means of hericare-docu will be
taken over unabridged from their respective authors. The copyright
will be maintained.

Among others, the database currently contains the conservation
projects sponsored by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German
Federal Environment Foundation). Until recently, these have been
managed by the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency), under
the name of MONUFAKT. Presently, most datasets are in German.
Subject matters tend to focus on the conservation of stone, wall
paintings, glass and metal. Contributions from other fields of
conservation are vividly invited.

Access: hericare-docu is available on CD-ROM or for download on
Internet. A 30-day trial is free. Contributing authors will be
granted free access to the online hericare-database. For further
information and fees, please visit <URL:http://www.hericare.de>.

Currently, documentation software and database are available in
English and in German. A French version is being developed.

The concept for hericare was developed by the Hornemann Institute (a
non-profit service center) and implemented with the cooperation of
experts working in the fields of conservation of monuments and
sites, database development, software ergonomics and library
systems.

Cord Brune
Hornemann Institute
HERICARE project staff
Kardinal-Bertram-Strasse 36
31134 Hildesheim
Germany
+49 5121 408177
Fax: +49 5121 408185


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 16:11
                  Distributed: Friday, August 2, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-16-11-002
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