Artifact Processing Protocol

Vassar College values its rich history as an educational institution. The College seeks to preserve for display and for study the documents and materials of teaching and the history of our departments, programs and academic mission.

When a department finds objects/papers to be no longer of use and wishes to remove them, this protocol should be followed:

1. Any items to be discarded by departments should be discussed with Special Collections. CONTACT the College Archivist, Laura Streett. In the case of fragile materials, especially paper, time is of the essence to prevent deterioration.

2. The College Archivist and  Special Collections will make a determination about how that object should be handled; If Special Collections does not think it appropriate for their collection, then the objects shall be referred to the VCAP committee for consideration for possible display as part of the history of the department or building. Departmental wishes and preferences in this regard will always be included in the determination.

3. If the items are determined to be of little note historically, but merely surplus, and a decision to discard them is reached, then the Purchasing Department will be notified for inclusion in college surplus sales.