Documenting New Paltz History: A Case Study in Library-Museum Cooperation

Abstract

Throughout 1998 - 2001, the Sojourner Truth Library at SUNY New Paltz and the Department of Library and Archives at the Huguenot Historical Society of New Paltz collaborated on several projects involving the archival collections housed at both institutions. These projects have allowed both organizations to provide enhanced library services to patrons while simultaneously stretching limited budgetary resources. Such cooperative efforts have provided beneficial results in four areas of operations: increased external financial support, increased internal support, improved public and community relations, and better documentation and management of collections. This article will discuss the origins, processes, and results of the specific cooperative projects undertaken by the two libraries, as well as present ideas for identifying cooperative opportunities among other institutions.