Collection-type Heritage Assets

The NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets are comprised primarily of books, publications, manuscripts, records, nautical chart plates, and artifacts. Many of these heritage assets are maintained by the NOAA Central Library (Library). NOAA is currently reviewing the Library’s total inventory of approximately 2 million items to determine additional items that should be classified as heritage assets. Many Library items are contemporary documents that are not expected to qualify as heritage assets. The Library’s Regular Collection consists of over 700 thousand journal items (pre-1970 and current) and approximately 200 thousand books. Many Regular Collection items that are from pre-NOAA organizations are expected to be designated as additional heritage assets. NOAA expects to complete this review in FY 2008.

The NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets also include items in the Thunder Bay Sanctuary Research Collection, comprised primarily of a) data cards listing most of the ships on the Great Lakes before year 1900, a roster of some 15,000 vessels complete with descriptive data and highlights of the ships’ careers and their ultimate losses; and b) ship photograph negatives of 19th and 20th century Great Lakes ships.

The table below summarizes NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets balance as of September 30, 2007. NOAA uses the Condition Assessment Survey (CAS) method to describe the condition of its assets. The CAS method is based on a five-point scale with 1 representing excellent condition; 2 – good condition; 3 – fair condition; 4 – poor condition; and 5 – very poor condition. Assets with the condition assessment level between 1 through 3 are defined as being suitable for public display. The books, publications, and manuscripts, which make up the majority of the NOAA Central Library’s heritage assets, are in 4 – poor condition, and 5 – very poor condition. The heritage assets of the Thunder Bay Sanctuary Research Collection are in 2 – good condition.