Preservation Assessment of the Special Collections of the Library at California State University, East Bay

FAIN: PG-50330-08

California State University, East Bay (Hayward, CA 94542-3000)
Nicole Howard (Project Director: May 2007 to October 2009)

A preservation assessment of the library's special collections, which include materials on Marco Polo and Portuguese travel, German-Americans in Alameda County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rare books on vulcanology and earthquakes, hand-printed and fine press books, and various atlases and maps. Because the university rests on the Hayward fault, the assessment will also address disaster preparedness and identify necessary measures to protect the collections in the event of an earthquake.

The Library of California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) requests a Preservation Assistance Grant of $4,039 to hire an established preservation expert who would advise us about our Special Collection's preservation needs, both immediate and long-term. The Special Collection includes documents which date back to 1597. This grant would allow us to retain the consultation services of Barclay Ogden, who would assist in the development of a written plan-of-action (including a budget) for addressing preservation needs, and instruction for a current faculty member on management of the recommended preservation activities.