Archive projects for the future - looking to 2006 and beyond

In 1995 the Alan and Louise Sellars Collection of antique tools was removed from permanent display at the Lawrence V. Johnson Library. The eighteen panels designed by Mr. Sellars were removed from display due to damage incurred over the years by reactions between the tools themselves and the original epoxy-and-wire mounts holding the tools to their pegboard bases. At that time, SPSU invested in high-quality conservation treatment for the collection. Since 1996, the tools have rested in polyethylene wrapping out of view.

Now that the Archives and Special Collections is being developed as a department within the library, the tools have once again become a focus of attention. In 2006 we'll be making decisions regarding putting some of the tools on permanent display again, this time in museum-quality cases that will prevent further damage to the collection. While the Archives has some funds available for this project, we'll most likely be able to finance remounting only one or two displays a year. Parties interested in the Alan and Louise Sellars collection of antique tools may wish to contact the Archivist.

Other plans for the Library and Archives can be found on the SPSU wiki. Alumni, Faculty, Students, and Staff should feel free to log onto the wiki to discuss the proposed improvements to the Lawrence V. Johnson Library building. The Archives and Special Collections also welcomes visitors and calls - the items here are for educational purposes, and belong to everyone in the SPSU community. In the coming year we'll need lots of input on how the collections may be arranged for use, and which collections are of a priority nature to the SPSU community.