History

History
Organized preservation efforts at the Iowa State University Library began in the early 1980s and have since developed into a dynamic and vital aspect of the Library’s mission. The Preservation Department was established in 1991. In 1995, the current Conservation Laboratory was built on the fourth floor of the University Library. 

3,400 square feet house the staff offices, workspace, and storage areas. Over half of the costs of the facility were raised from private funding, including the Lennox Foundation, ISU alumnus Tom Booth, and ISU alumna Betsy Anderson Booth. These donors have continued to support the endeavors of the ISU Preservation Department by funding the purchase of new equipment and establishing the Lennox Endowment for Preservation Education, Training, and Outreach. Visit our Lennox Fellowship page to learn more about the fellowship funded by the endowment.

The Preservation Department’s social media presence began in February 2010 with the initiative of Collections Conservator Melissa Tedone and Head of Preservation Hilary Seo. Dr. Melissa Tedone is currently the Conservator for Books and Library Materials at Winterthur Museum, Garden, & Library, and Affiliated Associate Professor in the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. Hilary Seo currently holds the position of Dean of Library Services at Iowa State University Library.