KU Libraries faculty member named American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Fellow

The University of Kansas Libraries have announced that Whitney Baker, head of conservation services, has been named an American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Fellow. The honor recognizes her distinguished contributions to the field of conservation.

The AIC is the national organization for conservators and allied professionals. To be eligible for designation as a fellow, one must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience of full-time conservation practice and meet a myriad of other special requirements. Baker joined KU Libraries in 2002 in a conservator role and was promoted to head of conservation services in 2011. 

“Being selected by my peers as a fellow in our professional organization is extremely meaningful,” Baker said. “This honor serves as a vote of confidence for my career as a conservator as well as an administrator and educator.”

Baker was one of six conservators who received the fellow designation in 2018. As a fellow for AIC, individuals may hold leadership roles within the organization. 

“As a fellow, I have a responsibility to share my expertise through conservation treatment, publications and the education of students, interns and staff,” Baker said.