A Brief History of the Department

Prior to the 1984 establishment of the New York State Program for the Conservation / Preservation of Library Research Materials (NYS CPP), preservation activities at the Syracuse University Library were directed by an energetic Preservation Committee, established in 1978. When New York State designated the Library as one of eleven comprehensive research libraries to receive annual Statutory Aid from the NYS CPP, the Library was able to begin developing a more systematic approach to identifying and responding to its preservation needs.

Upon passage of the NYS CPP legislation in 1984, the Library reorganized its preservation strategy by hiring a part-time Preservation Coordinator and broadening staff involvement in preservation. Of particular consequence to the Library's early preservation program development was the the general collections condition survey conducted in 1985. The survey was completed in 1986, and the results published by the Library in a paper entitled Preservation Study at the Syracuse University Libraries, in College and Research Libaries, v.48 n.2 (March 1987), pp 132 - 147. Results of the survey indicated that nearly 2,000,000 (86%) of the Library's volumes are printed on acidic paper, 270,000 volumes (12%) are brittle and 563,000 (25%) need physical repair in order to remain serviceable.

In 1986, based on the condition survey findings and subsequent recommendations for action, the Libary established a Book Preparation and Conservation Unit (BPCU), located in the Cataloging Department. The BPCU was responsible for developing an in-house book repair operation, as well as for incorporating the existing paperback stiffening operation (a process by which the covers and hinges of paperbacks are reinforced). Three years later, in 1989, the Library took two more significant steps toward creating a more systematic and comprehensive preservation program by appointing a full-time Preservation Administrator and conducting the Association of Reasearch Libraries' (ARL) Preservation Planning Program (PPP). One immediate result of PPP was the establishment of a Preservation Department in 1990, headed by a full time Preservation Administrator. Prior to the establishment of the Preservation Department, the Library had carried out a wide variety of local, regional and state preservation activities, with support shared by the Library, the New York State Conservation/Preservation Program and other funding sources.

The Department's staff includes:

• Peter Verheyen, Head, Preservation
• Peg Leonard, Preservation Supervisor. Responsibilities include managing the commercial bindery, paperback stiffening, and in-house preservation treatment operations. 5 FTE staff and student workers carry out these activities.

For more information on the Preservation Department's activities send email to: Peter Verheyen, Head, Preservation at pdverhey@syr.edu.