Preservation Assessment of the Aubrey R. Watzek Library

FAIN: PG-50051-07

Lewis and Clark College (Portland, OR 97219-8091)
Sandra A. Beehler (Project Director: May 2006 to March 2007)
James P. Kopp (Project Director: March 2007 to February 2008)

A preservation assessment of the library's collections with particular focus on special and archival collections. Among the latter are: an extensive collection of books, newspapers, pamphlets, and manuscripts related to the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806) and literary manuscripts and papers of poets such as Edwin Markham and William Stafford.

The unique historical and humanities collections at the Aubrey R. Watzek Library are in danger of deterioration due to incorrect handling and inappropriate environmental conditions. A committee has recently been formed to craft a preservation plan, but this small group needs additional specialized knowledge and training in order to be effective. The project proposed in this application will allow the library to hire a qualified outside consultant to conduct a preservation assessment. This will raise staff awareness and form the basis of a plan of action to preserve and provide better access to the valuable materials housed in the library's general and special collections.