Preservation Department

NYS Conservation Program Overview

The Stony Brook University Libraries' Preservation Department is an original member and an active participant of the State Education Department of New York's Conservation/Preservation Program since its inception in 1984.  Designed by the New York State legislature, it was created in response to New York State's need to address its cultural and informal heritage.

The program provides:

"...State funding for libraries and other organizations engaged in efforts to preserve deteriorating library research materials. The program was established as part of the landmark 1984 library legislation and was expanded in 1986 and 1990. [SEE: Education Law, Section 273.7] It is administered by the New York State Library's Division of Library Development.  The purposes of the Conservation/Preservation program are to encourage the proper care and accessibility of research materials, to promote the use and development of guidelines and technical standards for conservation/preservation work, and to support the growth of local and cooperative activities within the context of emerging national preservation programs."

Along with ten other academic research libraries from across New York State, the 'Big 11' membership comprises both public and private higher education institutions.  Information on the committee and the program may be found by visiting the program's website.