The Ten Agents of Deterioration are one of the most widely used frameworks in preservation. Most people working with collections have encountered them in some form, including water, light, pests, and other common risks. For readers who are new to the framework or looking for a refresher, this fun video series, The Agents of Deterioration is a helpful introduction to each of the agents.
But knowing the list is not the same as recognizing risk in your own…
The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia is seeking a Preservation Specialist for the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) program.
The DHPSNY Preservation Specialist conducts preservation surveys, oversees condition surveys, and assists with archival and preservation planning. They also develop and present educational programs, and provide technical assistance to libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other organizations across New York State.
Location
Candidates…
Preservation Week is an annual initiative led by the American Library Association that highlights the importance of preserving personal, family, and community collections. Held each spring, it encourages libraries, archives, museums, and individuals to take practical steps toward caring for the materials in their stewardship.
This year’s theme, Is This Thing On?, invites us to take a closer look at the systems and practices we rely on to preserve both physical and digital materials. It’s a prompt to check in:…
Exhibits are one of the most effective ways cultural heritage organizations connect with their communities. They bring collections out of storage, tell stories, and make history visible and meaningful. At the same time, they introduce archival materials to a range of environmental risks that must be carefully managed.
In site visits across New York State, DHPSNY staff regularly see thoughtful, engaging exhibits created with care and enthusiasm. Just as often, we see the challenges that come with exhibiting archival materials, particularly when objects are exposed to light for…
For many archives, libraries, museums, and historical organizations, deciding to adopt a collections management system (CMS) feels like a milestone. It can signal growth, increased professionalism, or a long-needed step toward better control over collections information. But it can also feel overwhelming. With dozens of systems on the market—each promising to solve your problems—it’s easy to jump straight to product comparisons before stepping back to ask a more fundamental question:
At DHPSNY, we…
We are excited to announce that 14 collecting institutions have been selected by our independent field reviewers to receive free DHPSNY services. We commend these institutions for their commitment to strengthening their preservation programs and practices, and it’s an honor to collaborate with them as they advance their missions. Explore the list of recipients below; learn more in the full press release.…
For many collecting institutions, understanding what they hold is shaped by years or decades of growth, changing staff and volunteers, and evolving recordkeeping practices. Important materials may be well cared for but documented in different ways, at different moments in time. Information can live in older inventories, accession files, legacy databases, or informal notes, and some parts of the collection may not be documented at all. As a result, staff and volunteers may not have a clear, current picture of what is in their collections or where everything is located.
This is…
Last year, DHPSNY published A Guide to Processing Plans, a technical bulletin designed to help collecting organizations plan and carry out archival processing work. Building on that resource, we are now pleased to announce the release of three new technical bulletins, covering the topics of preservation in exhibits, choosing a collections management system (CMS), and conducting a basic inventory. Read below to learn more about each new technical bulletin, available in both English and Spanish.
A Guide to…
As the year comes to a close, we’re celebrating the archivists, librarians, and organizations caring for New York State’s archival collections — and the shared work that sustains them. Thank you all!
Explore our year-end newsletter for highlights from 2025, including an interview with Millbrook Library on their grant-funded success, an interview with our newest team member Kaitlyn Pettengill, insights on the benefits of strategic planning, and more updates from across the DHPSNY network.
By Sarah Wilkinson
DHPSNY, in collaboration with the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON), facilitates Strategic Planning Assistance to help cultural organizations across New York State build clarity and capacity. In this guest article, Sarah Wilkinson — who brings over 20 years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, communications, and program development — shares a behind-the-scenes look of what the process entails and why it matters.
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