A preservation assessment and the purchase of datalogging equipment for archival storage areas of the Hampshire College library. The college, founded in 1970, was an early leader in experimental interdisciplinary liberal arts education. Collections include 795 linear feet of archival papers, photographs, video- and audiotapes, 250 rare books, local and regional history books, artists' books, a 500-print photograph collection, and various audiovisual and art materials. Notable items include the college's founding documents, and the papers of past and present faculty members such as poet Andrew Salkey, photographer Elaine Mayes, activist and scholar Eqbal Ahmed, dancer Barbara Mettler, and filmmaker Abraham Ravett. Library holdings also include photographs and works on paper by Leonard Baskin, Man Ray, George Grosz, and Jerome Liebling, as well as a collection produced in part by documentarian Ken Burns, who graduated from Hampshire College in 1975.
Just over 40 years old, Hampshire College has reached a critical moment with its first alumni and founding faculty approaching an age where they are considering who will care for their legacies. Now is the time to assess our archival areas in the College's library to confirm they can adequately ensure long-term preservation of current and anticipated collections. The broad range of scholarly and creative output in the current archives includes paper records, photographs, paintings, video- and audiotape, architectural models, and literary magazines that are testaments to the College's historical, political, and artistic lineages. The library seeks support to conduct an assessment of the preservation needs of its archival spaces, with the assistance of a consultant and purchase of datalogging equipment. An on-site consultant visit and six-month climate study analysis will result in a report detailing the archival storage conditions and space needs and recommendations for improvements.