This entry addresses the state of conservation in general, in or outside the library field, and provides an overall assessment of the existing needs in various areas. Areas discussed are: public awareness; professional information for conservators and other professionals such as curators and architects; professional training for conservators and others; research, both basic & applied and analytical services; and, preventive care and treatment. Professional organizations are described, such as: the National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property (NIC); the National Conservation Advisory Council (NCAC); American Institute for Conservation (AIC); Association for Preservation Technology (APT); International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC); Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts (AATA); Conservation Committee of ICOM (International Council of Museums); and, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).