Special Collections & Archives Complete Preservation-Focused Renovations through Major Grant

We are excited to announce the completion of a significant facilities project in Special Collections and Archives made possible through a large grant from the National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) and generous support from the Friends of the Libraries. These upgrades represent a major step forward in protecting our collections, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the user experience in Special Collections and Archives.

A More Welcoming and Secure Entrance

One of the most visible upgrades is the installation of new glass entrance doors, replacing the previously solid wooden doors. The new doors not only create a more inviting and modern aesthetic, but also offer enhanced security features, and include an ADA push-button for accessibility.

 

Protection from the Atrium

The collections area, previously open to the adjacent atrium, is now enclosed with tinted glass storefront windows spanning the entire length of the space. This provides:

• Improved climate control, helping maintain a stable, lower temperature in the collections area
• Reduced exposure to harmful light, slowing the natural fading and deterioration of materials
• Enhanced fire protection, creating a more sealed and controlled environment
• Prevention of air-borne intrusions, such as birds, that occasionally found their way into the open atrium

Enhanced Light Protection and Energy Efficiency 

All exterior-facing windows in the collections area, and the reading room glass facing the atrium, are now covered with a high-performance UV-blocking film. This film rejects over 99% of UV radiation, minimizing fading and photodegradation of materials. It also reduces excessive heat gain, increasing HVAC efficiency and lowering energy costs.

In addition, new solar screen window shades have been installed on the upper and lower windows along the entire exterior-facing Archives area. Where previously there were no window treatments, these new shades allow only 1% of light through, significantly reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the collections. They also help maintain more consistent temperature levels, further protecting sensitive materials.

 

From Fluorescent to LED

Over 480 fluorescent light bulbs have been replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the Archives. This transition eliminates UV and heat emissions from fluorescent bulbs, significantly helping to protect the collections from long-term light damage, providing energy savings, and aligning with campus-wide sustainability goals.

A Transformed Space

These comprehensive upgrades are made possible through the NAHA large grant and the Friends of the Libraries, and have transformed our Archives into a space that is more secure, energy efficient, and collection-friendly. Most importantly, they reflect our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of stewardship for the historical materials entrusted to us.

We are deeply grateful for the support that made these improvements possible and look forward to continuing to serve students, faculty, researchers, and the wider community in an enhanced and more sustainable environment.