April 5, 2021
IPI is looking to partner with three collecting institutions in North America as part of a three-year research project, Integrating Risk Assessment for Pollutants into Energy-saving Strategies, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The project involves two years of field research focused on monitoring room-level pollutant concentrations while implementing energy-saving strategies for mechanical system operation. This is an exciting opportunity for participants to engage in collaborative research with external experts, gain valuable project insights into the presence of pollutants within a storage space, and benefit from energy monitoring and the implementation of energy-saving operations for improved preservation, cost savings, and reduced carbon footprint.
Partner institutions will collaborate with the IPI project team to monitor temperature, relative humidity, pollutant levels, and energy usage in a collection storage space over two years. To ensure field-research goals can be met, partners will be identified through an application process. To be considered, partner institutions must have a collection storage space with a dedicated mechanical system capable of being programmed (i.e. BMS equipment). Monitoring equipment will be provided.
In the first year, monitoring will establish baseline conditions and, in the second year, energy-saving strategies (system shutdowns, fan speed reduction, and outside air reduction) will be implemented and the impact on conditions recorded through continued monitoring. The duties and time commitment of the lead contact at each partner institution is expected to be:
Multiple applications from the same institution for different storage spaces will be considered, but a separate application must be completed for each space. If you have any questions regarding the project and partner expectations, please contact Kelly Krish at kmkpph@rit.edu. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2021, with notification in mid-June and on-site work to begin in October.
The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) in the College of Art and Design (CAD) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is pleased to announce its opening for a Sustainable Preservation Specialist. The Sustainable Preservation Specialist will provide information and guidance to a range of collecting institutions on the role of environment in preservation, and best practices for sustainable environmental management through a variety of consulting, outreach (teaching and publication), research, and technical support activities.
In May-June 2022, IPI conducted an online survey assessing how collecting institutions are using 3D printing and interacting with 3D printed objects and materials. The survey covered three major areas: 3D printed objects and artwork found in collections, conservation treatments of 3D printed objects, and 3D printing in preservation and access activities, including its use as a tool in conservation treatments of non-3D printed objects, exhibition and display, and collections transportation.
IPI is thrilled to announce that Dr. Marvin Cummings will join the team as Research Scientist in November 2022. Marvin brings extensive research experience from the technology sector, with a solid interdisciplinary background across the physical sciences, engineering, and archeometry.
The Image Permanence Institute received a National Leadership Grant for Museums from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $711,598 to support a three-year research project that will study the relationship between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and the physical stability of plastics and plastic composite artifacts found in museums.