This report, the culmination of the 3-year "New York Document Conservation Administration Training and Planning Project," represents a distillation of the best thinking about preservation issues in New York after an exhaustive process of consultation and review. Its thesis is that preservation of New York State's historical records, rare printed materials, and other research materials ought to be--but is not now--a matter or urgent public concern. The state's unique research materials serve as a vast common memory bank in order to better understand the past and the present and to prepare for the future. Due to neglect, improper storage, paper deterioration, and disasters, such as fire and flooding, the physical condition of these valuable resources puts the prospects for their future use in doubt. A well-coordinated, long-term, statewide offensive is needed to meet the preservation goals. The issues and recommendations for immediate action include: (1) identification and selection of unique research resources in New York; (2) education and training for professional and technical staff; (3) preservation standards, guidelines, and information services; (4) disaster preparedness and assistance; (5) local and statewide public awareness; (6) investigation of preservation service needs and options; (7) state financial and technical assistance; (8) national cooperation and support; and (9) ongoing preservation evaluation and planning. The appendices titles are: (1) The New York Document Conservation Administration Training and Planning Project: History and Purpose; (2) Reviewing Groups; (3) Statewide Preservation Conference, May 15, 1986; (4) For Further Reading; and (5) Sources of Assistance and Advice. Numerous black and white photographs are included. (DJC)