[PADG:2312] Re: uncatalogued backlog condition surveys

[Janet Gertz <gertz@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Columbia University is currently conducting a survey of unprocessed
special collections (archives, manuscripts, audio-visual media, etc), but
not printed books.  The survey is funded by the Mellon Foundation, and is
looking at quantity of items, medium, condition, housing, level (if any)
of intellectual control, and research value of the collections.  Anyone who
is interested in more information about the survey instrument, definitions
of terms, etc. should contact Jonathan Lill, the survey project archivist, at
jl2406@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

On Mon, 8 Mar 2004, Sherry Byrne wrote:

> Hi Jennifer.  I just came across your query and wondered if you got any
> responses about surveying uncataloged or cataloged special collections
> materials.  I would also be interested in your set of questions for your
> survey.  This is something that we want to do at some point.
>
> Sherry
>
> At 02:53 PM 8/1/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>       At the University of Illinois we in Preservation and
>       Conservation are working with our Rare Book and Special
>       Collections Library to address the conservation and rehousing
>       needs of the uncatalogued backlog in their collections.  We
>       have started a condition survey (based only on a random
>       sample of the collection, unfortunately,  due to the number
>       of volumes) and have compiled enough records to start forming
>       some conclusions about the needs of these unique or rare
>       materials.  My question is, have any other institutions done
>       similar condition assessments of this sort of collection, and
>       if so, would you be willing to share your results? I want to
>       be sure we are approaching this with all necessary questions
>       in mind, etc.  Also, if anyone knows of any publications that
>       talk about surveying uncatalogued items, and any special
>       challenges or needs they may present, i would greatly
>       appreciate hearing about them.
>
>       many thanks.
>
>       ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
>       Jennifer E. Hain
>       Head, Conservation Unit
>       Main Library, Room 44
>       University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
>       1408 West Gregory Drive
>       Urbana, IL 61801
>       (217) 244 - 5689
>       jhain@xxxxxxxx
>
> Sherry Byrne
> Preservation Librarian
> 1100 E. 57th Street, Room 150
> Chicago, IL  60637
> sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> (773) 702-9313 voice
> (773) 702-6623 fax
>