Colgate University Special Collections and University Archives Preventive Conservation Planning Project

FAIN: PF-249688-16

Colgate University (Hamilton, NY 13346-1338)
Sarah Keen (Project Director: December 2015 to December 2024)

A planning grant for improvements to the Special Collections and University Archives in Colgate’s Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology, which holds a collection of rare books and 2,265 cubic feet of archival records pertaining to the history of the university and the surrounding region. The project would result in specific steps to identify sustainable, preventive conservation measures related to climate control, storage systems, lighting, and security in the library. An additional $10,000 is requested to remediate leaks in exterior walls of the archive.

This planning project will outline steps to ensure sustainable, preventive conservation of Colgate University's Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). University Archives is the repository for university records and also includes records of the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York 1819-1915 and Colgate Family papers. Highlights of Rare Books and Manuscripts include collections of Joseph Conrad and George Bernard Shaw. The project will comprise planning for renovation of Archives storage (3,570 s.f.) including environmental control and storage systems; expanded vault storage (to 2,130 s.f.) with appropriate climate control, shelving, and security; and processing areas. The project team comprises representatives from SCUA, the library, the facilities department, sustainability office, and three faculty users of the collections. Consultants include the specialist who consulted on our 2013 NEH Preservation Assistance grant and Image Permanence Institute.