The result of an 11-month study by six task forces, this report confirms the precarious physical condition of the Ohio State University Libraries' (OSUL) collections and highlights problems with the physical environments in which the collections are housed. An introductory discussion considers the OSUL in their institutional setting, the Association of Research Libraries/Office of Management Studies (ARL/OMS) Preservation Planning Program, planning assumptions, definition of terms, and OSUL preservation efforts to date. Key areas of concern as determined by the preservation task forces are summarized, and detailed recommendations designed to enhance the longevity of the OSUL collections are proposed for the following broad areas: (1) improvement of the physical environments; (2) management and development of the collections; (3) preservation and conservation treatments; and (4) handling, shelving, and display of materials. A proposed implementation schedule by subject area is also provided. Three appendices include a listing of the preservation self-study task forces and task force members; a draft copy of the Ohio State University Libraries Preservation Policy Statement Outline; and the Ohio State University Libraries Preservation Office organization chart/directory. Statistical information about the collections is provided in four tables. (KM)