The Archaeological Heritage Network wants to pick your brain. We know you have expertise that would be useful to other archaeological conservators, and we want to help you share it. An easy way to do that? Put your knowledge into the AIC Wiki! January is AIC Wiki edit-a-thon month. Tell us what you know. You don't have to write a full-blown article (though that would be great): you can contribute with just a few sentences about something you've already mastered. Some low-time-commitment ways to help:
- Add just a sentence or two about a topic you've researched.
- Update an outdated entry so that it better reflects current practice.
- Bolster existing text with appropriate references.
- Begin a stub for a topic of interest to you that could be expanded upon later.
- Contribute your pre-existing bibliographical references lists (including your own recently published articles).
- Contribute good images for which you have copyright permission.
Take a critical look at the Archaeological Conservation wiki pages, and think about where your knowledge could strengthen them. AHN would welcome input on the following topics in particular:
- Mudbrick/adobe/earthen structures conservation: a huge topic, but any contribution on any aspect is welcome. A short summary introduction to issues and approaches would be terrific.
- Setting up a field lab: for example, does anyone have lists of start-up supplies and equipment?
- Block lifting procedures: there is an existing entry, but it can be updated and improved with editing and the addition of examples.
- Adhesives for field conservation, particularly adhesives for hot climates and alternative adhesives when common solvents are not locally available.
- Legislation: a helpful contribution could be as short as one sentence that summarizes the main points of any of the relevant legislation listed in this section.
- Packing, transport, and field storage of archaeological objects.
- Shipping containers repurposed for artifact storage.
- Any site conservation topic: e.g., shelters, reburial, tourism, etc.
- Any content relevant to the conservation of artifacts from marine or waterlogged sites.
There are many additional topics that would be of interest. We'd be happy to add new topics.
To contribute your expertise on anything, you can:
1. Contact me. I can upload new content or make edits for you.
2. Become a wiki editor - it's easy.
A valuable contribution could be as simple as just one sentence with an appropriate reference. Give other archaeological conservators the benefit of your expertise!
------------------------------
Julie Unruh
Austin TX
------------------------------