With the appointment of a Conservator in the 1960s came an increased awareness of the importance of the environment in preserving library collections. Paul Banks initiated the monitoring of temperature and relative humidity in bookstacks, reading rooms, and office areas, and worked also to reduce or eliminate harmful atmospheric and lighting conditions throughout the Cobb Building. With the appointment of a Conservator in the 1960's came an increased awareness of the importance of the environment in preserving library collections. Paul Banks initiated the monitoring of temperature and relative humidity in bookstacks, reading rooms, and office areas, and worked also to reduce or eliminate harmful atmospheric and lighting conditions throughout the Cobb Building.

Correspondence, reports, tables, graphs, and charts. Environment files include reports and correspondence regarding the 1976 renovation of lighting and HVAC systems and replacement of windows. There is also material regarding environmental problems, policies, and procedures, and data concerning the 1960 building renovation. Hygrothermography records consist of monthly summary reports and weekly reports and recordings for the Cobb Building prior to the completion of the new bookstack building in 1982.