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's 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 Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private university, private research university in the town of Henrietta, New York, Henrietta in the Rochester, New York, metropolitan area. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree ...

and the

Society for Imaging Science and Technology The Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) is a professional society (a type of research and education organization) in the field of photography. Founded in 1947 as the Society of Photographic Scientists and Engineers (SPSE), it is head ...

. Funding for IPI's preservation research and outreach efforts has come mainly from the

National Endowment for the Humanities The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency of the U.S. government, established by thNational Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965(), dedicated to supporting research, education, preserv ...

, the

Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 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 mis ...

, and the

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation of New York City in the United States, simply known as Mellon Foundation, is a private foundation with five core areas of interest, and endowed with wealth accumulated by Andrew Mellon of the Mellon family of Pitts ...

. 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

Products and services

Environmental Monitoring Products

PEM2—IPI's new compact electronic dataloggerPEM2 Flash DriveeClimateNotebook (web-based environmental monitoring)A-D Strips

Publications

IPI Media Storage Quick ReferenceIPI Storage Guide for Acetate Film (PDF Download)New Tools for PreservationPhotographic 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 PrintsResearch Project ReportsPermanent Images: A Personal and Technical Memoir

Services

Testing ServicesEnvironmental Analysis Consulting ServiceMedia Collection Surveys

External links

* {{RIT Archival science