Preservation Needs Assessment for Image-Based Collections in the University of Rochester's Multimedia Center and Department

FAIN: PG-50742-10

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY 14627-0001)
Nora Dimmock (Project Director: May 2009 to November 2011)

Hiring a consultant to assess the preservation needs of three collections held in the University's Multimedia Center and Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. These collections, which date from the early 20th century, include the historical archives of the Eastman Kodak Company (2,610 items), the Film and Media Studies Collection (2,372 reels of film), and 720 reels of 16mm educational films focusing on history, culture, and ethnography. Funding also supports the purchase of five environmental monitors and preservation supplies.

This grant would support a preservation needs assessment, including media survey and environmental monitoring, for three image- based special collections housed in the Multimedia Center and the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the University of Rochester. The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) will provide environmental monitoring equipment, and 2.5 days of consulting focused on developing a strategy for managing both the environment and the condition of the collections for long term preservation. Access to these valuable Humanities collections has been restricted by the poor condition of its shelving, lack of catalog records, and the general inexperience of staff members in the proper storage and handling of this specialized media. A properly executed preservation plan will allow the collections of 16 mm films, photographs, glass plates, slides, and negatives to once again be a valuable resource available to Humanities students and scholars.