APPLETON, WIS. — Lawrence University has been awarded a core set of resources by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) designed to enhance the preservation of valuable artifacts and historical records housed in its archives. As part of the IMLS’s “Connecting to Collections Bookshelf” program, Lawrence will receive conservation books, DVDs and online resources that provide guidance on preservation procedures.
Located in the Seeley G. Mudd Library, the Lawrence University Archives is the repository of historical records of both Lawrence and Milwaukee-Downer College, which consolidated with Lawrence in 1964.
“Maintaining an institution’s heritage and history is at the heart of all collections efforts,” said Lawrence archivist Julia Stringfellow. “The Bookshelf award is a wonderful resource that will greatly support the preservation of, and access to, the collections housed in our archives.”
The IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its Bookshelf program focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries’ special collections.
Based on an application detailing the needs and plans for care of its collections, Lawrence was among the first recipients of a 2008 IMLS Bookshelf, which addresses such topics as collections management and planning, emergency preparedness and culturally specific conservation issues. Lawrence, UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire were the only colleges or universities in Wisconsin awarded an IMLS Bookshelf in the initial round of grants.
“A recent national study tells a sobering story about the state of America’s library and museum collections,” said Anne Radice, director of the IMLS. “Without immediate action, we stand to lose important collections that are at the heart of the American story.”
According to the IMLS report “Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections,” 190 million objects need conservation treatment, 65 percent of collecting institutions have damaged collections due to improper storage and 40 percent of institutions have no funds allocated in their annual budget for preservation and conservation.
