Improving Preservation Policies and Practices for Rod Library Manuscripts and University Archives

FAIN: PG-263474-19

University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0001)
Jaycie Vos (Project Director: April 2018 to March 2021)

A preservation assessment of the university’s special collections and archives, along with an on-site workshop for staff on the care, handling, and storage of historical research materials. The collection comprises 18,000 books, 200,000 photographs, and 5,400 linear feet of archival records and personal papers focusing largely on the history and culture of Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and surrounding communities in Iowa’s Cedar Valley region.  Highlights include the papers of longtime U.S. senator, and UNI alumnus, Charles Grassley, along with prominent literature faculty members, including writer Robert James Waller and poet James Hearst.

This project will improve preservation in Special Collections & University Archives at the University of Northern Iowa, supporting future research, teaching, and outreach. The Manuscripts Collection and University Archives are the focus, consisting of over 5,400 linear feet of items with strengths in the Cedar Valley community and university history. The collection includes materials that reflect humanities research, teaching, and creation; records from area groups supporting engagement in the humanities; and items that reflect local political, social, and economic activities. The collections provide documentary evidence of experiences from diverse perspectives on campus and across the region. The grant would provide a site visit, report, and workshop that will identify priorities for improved policies and practices in material storage, handling, and preservation to align with professional standards after decades of neglect. The project dates are January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Associated Products

Preserving Special Collections (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Preserving Special Collections
Abstract: Donia Conn, preservation consultant for cultural heritage institutions, gave a 3 hour presentation about basic preservation practices and preventative measures. Topics included environmental monitoring, environmental factors on collections, addressing specific issues like mold, and proper storage conditions of collections.
Author: Donia Conn
Date: 07/09/2019
Location: Rod Library ScholarSpace

Library Connection (Web Resource)
Title: Library Connection
Author: Rod Library Public Relations
Abstract: Rod Library has been hard at work, seeking to keep improving and moving forward. Among other initiatives, the Library has enhanced facilities and services through the UNI CultureLab and sought to strengthen preservation practices in Special Collections and University Archives to protect valuable resources for future researchers.
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://pubsecure.lucidpress.com/Library_e-news-Fall2019/#ou-lxjY9vdRH

folder stock (Equipment)
Name: folder stock
Description: 100 count unbuffered 10 pt. folder stock, used to create enclosures for oversized building plans and landscape drawings
Location: Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA)
Year: 2019

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