Image Permanence Institute
Encyclopedia
The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a university-based, non-profit research laboratory devoted to scientific research in the preservation of visual and other forms of recorded information. It is the world's largest independent laboratory with this specific scope. IPI was founded in 1985 through the combined efforts and sponsorship of the Rochester Institute of Technology
and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology. Funding for IPI's preservation research and outreach efforts has come mainly from the National Endowment for the Humanities
, the Institute of Museum and Library Services
, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
. Additional funding comes from generous donations made by corporate supporters. IPI provides information, consulting services, practical tools and preservation technology to libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. The imaging and consumer preservation industries also use IPI’s consulting, testing and educational services.
Areas of Research and Expertise:
Mission:
The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a recognized world leader in the development and deployment of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property. IPI accomplishes this through a balanced program of research, education, products and services that meet the needs of individuals, companies, and institutions.
Awards:
IPI and its staff have been recognized for their work through various industry and civic awards, including:
Education and Outreach Activities:
Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology is a private university, located within the town of Henrietta in metropolitan Rochester, New York, United States...
and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology. Funding for IPI's preservation research and outreach efforts has come mainly from the National Endowment for the Humanities
National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency of the United States established by the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. The NEH is located at...
, the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the mission to "create strong libraries and museums that connect...
, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation of New York City and Princeton, New Jersey in the United States, is a private foundation with five core areas of interest, endowed with wealth accumulated by the late Andrew W. Mellon of the Mellon family of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the product of the 1969...
. Additional funding comes from generous donations made by corporate supporters. IPI provides information, consulting services, practical tools and preservation technology to libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. The imaging and consumer preservation industries also use IPI’s consulting, testing and educational services.
Areas of Research and Expertise:
- The nature of photographic images and other forms of print media
- Information and technical support for the archival and photographic conservation profession
- Sustainable practices in environmental management and preservation
- The stability of imaging and information media and digital print preservation
- Development of ISO Standards for imaging media and preservation
Mission:The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a recognized world leader in the development and deployment of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property. IPI accomplishes this through a balanced program of research, education, products and services that meet the needs of individuals, companies, and institutions.
Awards:
IPI and its staff have been recognized for their work through various industry and civic awards, including:
- Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (1997)
- Fuji Gold Medal from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (1998)
- Preservation Publication Award from the Society of American Archivist (1999)
- Silver Light Award for Career Achievement in the Preservation of Moving Images from Association of Moving Image Archivists to James Reilly (2002)
- Certificate of recognition awarded to Dr. Peter Adelstein by the International Imaging Industry Association for his contributions to international standards (2003)
- HP Image Award awarded to James M. Reilly for outstanding contributions and devotion to the field of image preservation and permanence (2007)
Education and Outreach Activities:
- Seminars, workshops, and talks in IPI areas of expertise
- Advice and consultations on preservation and sustainable practice
- Internships
- Print Publications
- Informational Websites and E-newsletters
Environmental Monitoring Products
- PEM2—IPI's new compact electronic datalogger
- PEM2 Flash Drive
- Climate Notebook software
- PEMdata (web-based environmental monitoring)
- A-D Strips
Publications
- IPI Media Storage Quick Reference
- IPI Storage Guide for Acetate Film
- New Tools for Preservation
- Photographic Negatives: Nature and Evolution of Processes (poster)
- Knowing and Protecting Motion Picture Film (poster)
- Storage Guide for Color Photographic Materials (PDF Download)
- Care and Identification of 19th-Century Photographic Prints
- Research project reports