Panel: The Folger Sustainable Preservation Environment Project

Abstract

The Folger Shakespeare Library began working on the Folger Sustainable Preservation Environment Project (FSPEP) in 2010. Funded largely through planning and implementation grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections, FSPEP has become a major focus for Collections and Facilities personnel at the Folger. Working with consultants from the Image Permanence Institute and Linden Preservation Services, the Folger focused on 5 air handlers serving collections storage spaces, including 3 subterranean spaces housing rare materials and one of our reading rooms where a large portion of our paintings collection is hung. The grants allowed the Folger to collect data on equipment operations; work with consultants to identify areas where optimization was desirable to correct incorrect operations; make capital improvements to 3 of the 5 air handlers involved; capture energy savings through improved performance and renovated equipment; and determine how to seasonal set points would impact collections and costs. This presentation will focus on the successes and ongoing challenges of the work performed; how unexpected factors can impact desired outcomes; communication and relationship building between divisions; and working through staff changes. Folger staff will also speak to how these grants have influenced future climate needs and planning at the Folger Shakespeare Library.