Gift Establishes Joan and Bill Brodsky Image Preservation Initiative
Dean of Libraries David Seaman has announced the creation of the Joan and Bill Brodsky Image Preservation Initiative, funded by a generous gift from alumni Joan (Breier) and Bill Brodsky. This initiative will contribute substantively to preserving and providing access to the large and diverse holdings of rare materials in the Special Collections Research Center of the Syracuse University Libraries.
The Joan and Bill Brodsky Image Preservation Initiative will enable the libraries to create a specialized cold storage environment for its film and photographic materials. These fragile materials require cold storage and controlled humidity to slow deterioration and prevent catastrophic loss. The Joan and Bill Brodsky Image Preservation Initiative will help ensure the availability of landmark photography collections, such as the Margaret Bourke-White and Clara Sipprell archives, for future generations of scholars and students.
“Joan and Bill’s gift recognizes the world-class importance of our research collections in the Syracuse University Libraries,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud, “and the critical need to act now to safeguard these important cultural heritage items.”
Dean Seaman adds, “I’m delighted to have this investment in our preservation infrastructure, as we develop a robust curatorial plan for our special collections and archives that both preserves them and makes them more accessible.”
“Bill and I are pleased to be able to provide this gift to Syracuse University,” says Joan Brodsky. “This state of the art facility will ensure the long-term preservation the libraries’ very fragile treasures.” Trained as a library media specialist in graduate school, Joan’s passion for the preservation and conservation of books and special collections is well documented. The Brodsky Series for the Advancement of Library Conservation, the brainchild of Joan and now in its 11th year at SU Libraries, has grown to be a valued and respected resource for preservation professionals and students alike.
The Brodskys have a long-standing relationship with the University, from which they each hold two degrees. Their three sons are also University graduates, as is Bill’s brother and both of Joan’s brothers. Bill is a Life Trustee of the University and served on the Law School Board of Advisors from 1995-2003. He is chairman of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, after beginning his career as an attorney in the securities industry. Joan is a member of the SU Libraries Advisory Board and a former member of the iSchool Advisory Board. She also serves on the boards of the Newberry Library in Chicago, the Foundation Board of the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Ill., and the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.
