Xavier University of Louisiana, Archives & Special Collections Environmental Assessment

FAIN: PG-287831-22

Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA 70125-1056)
Vincent Barraza (Project Director: January 2022 to January 2026)

A preservation assessment for disaster preparedness in a humid, hurricane-prone region to ensure long-term access to collections.

The Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), Archives & Special Collections requests $10,000 to support a Preservation & Environmental Assessment of our physical archival collections and rare books. If selected, $8000 of the NEH Preservation Assistance Grant would provide funding for expert evaluation, advice, and training to assist with long-term preservation and environmental stabilization for the XULA Archives by bringing in LYRASIS consultant Mr. Tom Clareson to assess and provide feedback on the extent of environmental damage to our physical holdings. Mr. Clareson will work with our archives team to determine how building issues, collection storage and condition, and existing policies are impacting the safety and long-term sustainability of our archival collections. Upon completion of the assessment, recommendations from the project team will include new preservation policy development, potential funding sources, and specific storage and preservation tips.