General Preservation Needs Assessment of the Archival Collections of the Macalester College DeWitt Wallace Library

FAIN: PG-50280-08

Macalester College (St. Paul, MN 55105-1899)
Ellen Holt-Werle (Project Director: May 2007 to September 2009)

A general preservation assessment of the library's collection of institutional records, manuscripts, photographs, and audio-visual materials documenting the history of Macalaster College and the surrounding community.

The Macalester College DeWitt Wallace Library will hire a consultant to conduct a general preservation needs assessment of the Library's archival collections, which include 425 linear feet of institutional records and manuscript collections; 4,200 faculty publications, student honors theses, and special and rare book collections; 2,775 audio and video materials; and 26,000 photographs, blueprints, posters, and oversize photos. Archives collections record the history of Macalester College and its surroundings, from the mid-1800s to the present, and the activities of individuals associated with Macalester. The Archives has never had a preservation assessment, and hired its first permanent professional staff member only 2 years ago. A preservation assessment will contribute to the Library's goal of developing a long-range strategic plan for preserving the archival collections and increasing access for Macalester community members as well as external scholars and the general public.