2025 Poster Session

ABSTRACT: Abstract for the American Institute of Conservation of Historic Works Annual Meeting May 2025

Title: Dinosaurs Live On: The Story of a West Indian Microfilm Collection

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona stands as one of the oldest academic institutions in the English-Speaking Caribbean. Situated on 252 acres of land, the Mona Campus boasts a rich cultural and historical legacy and this manifests in the diverse resources held in the UWI Mona Library’s collection. 

The UWI Mona library was established in 1948 at Mona as a part of the new University College of the West Indies. The library was moved in 1952 to the current site it occupies and is a very integral part of the campus. There are four other libraries which are the Science and Engineering, Medical, Law and the Western Jamaica campus branch libraries. The UWI Mona library is the main library on the campus

The UWI Mona Library houses a diverse collection, featuring books, photographs, maps, pamphlets, journals and microforms. Within the over 6000 microfilm/microfiche collections at Mona, is the opportunity to explore unique facets in the history of growth and development of Jamaica and the Caribbean from the 17th century to the mid to late 20th century.

Microforms are typically a durable preservation format and able to last up to a century under optimum conditions. Unfortunately, the Mona Library’s collection has suffered from inadequate environmental conditions and is exasperated by limited financial resources. This has led to the onset of vinegar syndrome and mold exposure over the past decade.

In response, the library has undertaken collaborative initiatives with internal and external departments to preserve these valuable records. Efforts include partnering with the Estate Management Department to repair existing or acquire new air conditioning equipment and grant applications such as UNESCO's Memory of the World initiative to Safeguard Documentary Heritage at Risk. This grant aims to preserve and make accessible collections at risk due to diminishing or non-existent financing by providing equipment such as smart dehumidifiers and data loggers, which will help stabilize storage conditions. Additionally, the Library’s Preservation Department launched a campaign to create protective enclosures to slow the deterioration of these records. This paper seeks to highlight the invaluable heritage held within this historic collection and efforts underway to ensure its preservation and continued access.