Improving the Physical Environment in Spencer Research Library

FAIN: PF-255826-17

University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc. (Lawrence, KS 66045-3101)
Whitney Baker (Project Director: December 2016 to October 2019)

A planning grant to study significant environmental factors—in particular, an outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system—that pose a threat to the applicant’s rare book, manuscript, and archival collections.

The University of Kansas Libraries requests funds to develop a plan to closely monitor Spencer Library's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that poses a threat to long-term preservation of its rare book, manuscript, and archival collections, plus additional funds to implement findings resulting from the testing process. University of Kansas Libraries hopes to enlist the consulting services of Image Permanence Institute to develop a sustainability plan for optimizing the current air handling unit and heating-air conditioning system in Spencer Library. IPI consultants will make three site visits to set up, collect, and analyze data from Spencer's air handling unit and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The Institute will provide ongoing investigations of mechanical system settings and operations over 18 months, develop suggestions and priorities for optimizing the existing system and improving the preservation quality of Spencer Library's spaces.