Preserving library collections requires attention to the total physical environment of the materials. Proper temperature and humidity, fire protection, mold and dust control, pest control, and security are important factors for housing the collections. Windows, plumbing pipes, gutters and other building systems must not leak. The environmental controls for storing very rare or little used materials may be able to be more stringent than those for the open stacks which are in constant public use and may be contiguous with regular office spaces.

In recent years, the Smith College Libraries have undertaken numerous projects to improve physical conditions for preservation, and to build in long-term preservation planning:

Emergency Procedures Working Group, 1997 to present
The EPWG has pursued an ongoing and active program including attending disaster preparedness training, developing a library-wide disaster plan, installing emergency supplies kits throughout the stacks, and conducting special tours of the building for the local fire department with particular attention to the location of valuable collections.

Neilson Library and Alumnae Gym, 1996-97, 2001-02
Environmental monitoring test devices were installed for several months as part of a statewide program supported by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, to develop detailed documentation of climate conditions. Findings and recommendations from the report on the 2001/2002 monitoring can be found in the executive summary.

Neilson Library, 1997
Over three-quarters of a million dollars was spent on upgrading internal air control systems in about half of the building including the Mortimer Rare Book Room. There is now state of the art control in the MRBR, and mold problems in the basement have been eliminated. Spaces for stacks and offices can be separately controlled.

Friends of the Smith College Libraries
In 1998, the FSCL established a generous new endowed fund to support preservation initiatives not otherwise possible via the regular budget, for example purchase of specialized equipment, unique conservation work for particular materials, or customized training and consulting.

Hillyer Art Library
The library is housed in facilities that were completely renovated in 2000-2002. The renovation included installation of new HVAC and security systems as well as repairs to the building.

Josten Library
Repairs completed in 2000 remedied conditions that had caused serious humidity, mold and water damage in the library.

Library storage annex
Opened in the Spring of 2000, this on- campus facility is a fully climate controlled repository using compact moveable shelving. The initial priority will be to house manuscripts, archives, and music collections; over the next five to ten years it will serve to house little-used materials from Neilson and the branches. A high degree of security and archival climate conditions will be able to be maintained.