This glossary lists some of the terms in wide use across the site.
Best Practice: Commendable actions and philosophies that successfully solve problems, can be replicated, and demonstrate an awareness of standards. (Merritt, 2005)
Infestation: The presence of insects or animals in large enough numbers to cause damage, by living on or within cultural heritage collections or property. Damage resulting from an infestation may include any of the following: loss or erosion of material; exit holes and tunnels; pest debris such as frass, webbing and larval casts; rodent and bird droppings; as well as the presence of live insects and animals.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A strategy that emphasizes prevention and minimizes the use of toxic chemicals to manage and eliminate pests.
Integrated Pest Management Plan: A written document that defines the purpose, goals and parameters of the IPM program. It explains current and planned IPM initiatives. (Adapted from Tompkins, 2005)
Integrated Pest Management Policy: A written statement that is approved by the governing body of the institution. The policy provides direction for achieving the IPM program’s purposes and objectives. It also describes the principles which govern IPM activity, practices and operations and specifies the delegation of responsibility and authority for the IPM program. The IPM policy must be supported with IPM procedures and an IPM plan. (Adapted from Tompkins, 2005)
Integrated Pest Management Procedures: A written, manual type document that addresses the direct implementation of the IPM Policy. It sets guidelines, directives and formats and guides staff in their day to day work as they administer the IPM program. Unlike IPM policies, revisions and updates to the procedures do not require approval from the governing body of the institution. (Adapted from Tompkins, 2005)
Pest: A living organism that harms cultural heritage collections or property, and/or hinders the ability for an institutions staff to achieve its mission.
Standard: A generally accepted level of attainment for use as a basis of comparison in measuring or judging performance. (Merritt, 2005)
Glossary Sources:
Linnie, Martyn J. 1996. Integrated Pest Management: A Proposed Strategy for Natural History Museums. Museum Management and Curatorship 15 (2):133-143
Merritt, Elizabeth. 2005 “Standards of Stewardship” presentation at the annual meeting of The Association of College and University Museums and Galleries April 30th in Bloomington, Indiana
Tompkins, William G. 2005 “Collections Stewardship: An Introduction to Collection Management Policies” presented at the Collections Management Workshop of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, April 8 in Tarrytown, N