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Amherst College Library Records, 1833-1977 (Bulk: 1876-1933)
10 records storage boxes, 1 half archives box, 18 volumes (14.5 linear ft.)

Abstract:
The Library Records document the development of the Amherst College Library. Despite the time span (1833-1977), the records provide incomplete information about the administration of the Library. The records best document the library holdings (1833-1938), and particular functions, such as classification. The Records include correspondence, accession logs, annual reports, in-house manuals and procedures statements, some financial records, printed catalogs, and shelf lists. The administrative files of Librarian Newton F. McKeon (1939-70), Charles Laugher (1970-75), and Willis E. Bridegam, Jr. (1975- ) are not part of this collection.

Terms of Access and Use:

Restrictions on access:

There is no restriction on access to the Amherst College Library Records for research use. Particularly fragile items are restricted for preservation purposes.

Restrictions on use:

Requests for permission to publish material from the Papers should be directed to the Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Amherst College Archives and Special Collections

Historical Note
1821-1823Joseph Estabrook, Professor Latin and Greek, Librarian
1821Alexandrian and Athenian Societies, student literary societies, established; society libraries soon follow
1822Library located in North College, 4th floor room
1823-1824Zenas Clapp, Tutor and Librarian
1824-1827Samuel M. Worcester, Professor and Librarian
1827 First library catalog published
1827-1853Library located in Johnson Chapel, 3rd floor
1827-1852Ebenezer Snell (AC 1822), Professor and Librarian
1831Substantial increase to the Library because of John Tappan gift of $500
1836Athenian Society publishes catalog
1844Sears Fund of Literature and Benevolence established
1850Library holdings are approximately 6,000 volumes
1851-1965Memorabilia Room established
1852-1863Lucius Boltwood (AC 1843) named first full-time Librarian
1853New building opens, houses library; later named Morgan Hall
1855 Library holdings are approximately 12,000 volumes; Second library catalog published; second Athenian Society catalog also published
1863Julius H. Seelye, Teacher and Librarian (without pay)
1864-1878William Montague (AC 1855), Librarian, Registrar, and Professor of French, Italian, and Spanish
1864First alphabetical author card catalog
1867Merger of Athenian, Alexandrian, and College libraries discussed
1871Supplement to library catalog published; open hours change from 3 hours/week to 6 hours/day except closed Sunday
1874-1876Melvil Dewey (AC 1874) Assistant Librarian, starts subject catalog on cards
1878Thomas P. Field, (AC 1834) Librarian
1879-1883Walter Biscoe, (AC 1874) Acting Librarian
1883Library expands; building named for Henry T. Morgan
1883-1911William I. Fletcher, Librarian
1885Library holdings are approximately 43,000 volumes
1891-1905William I. Fletcher runs Summer course in Library Economy
1908Robert S. Fletcher (AC 1897, son of W.I. Fletcher) named Assistant Librarian
1911-1939Robert S. Fletcher, Librarian
1917Converse Memorial Library opens
1935-1939Henry deForest Smith, Library Director; Robert S. Fletcher on medical leave
1938Addition built on Converse Memorial Library; First rare book room established in Converse addition (
1939-1970Newton F. McKeon (AC 1926), Library Director
1951-1978Hampshire Inter-Library Center (HILC) established (initially Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges, later Hampshire College) to provide cooperation among the libraries
1964-1965Charles T. Laugher, Assistant Library Director
1965Robert Frost Library opens; Friends of the Amherst College Library founded; Memorabilia Room moves from the Hitchcock Room in Morgan Hall to the Frost Library and renamed the College Archives
1965-1970Charles T. Laugher, Associate Library Director
1968Merrill Science Library opens; Music Library opens
1970-1974Richard J. Cody, Librarian of the College
1970-1975Charles T. Laugher, Library Director
1971Audio-Visual Department established in Frost Library
1974Library joins OCLC for cataloging purposes (substituted Library of Congress classification system for Dewey Decimal Classification System)
1975- Willis Bridegam, Librarian of the College
1978College Archives given mandate by Board of Trustees
1980House libraries discontinued
1986Frost C-level opens (compact shelving installed 1985; Deweys moved to C-level 1986)
1988First Five College on-line catalog system (LS/2000) installed (provides access to holdings at the University of Massachusetts and Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges, as well as Amherst)
1994Second Five College automated library system (III) installed
1994Amherst College Depository opens
Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Library Records document the development of the Amherst College Library. The bulk of the records date between 1876 and 1933, but span the years 1833 to 1977. The quantity totals 12.5 linear feet. Despite the time span, the records provide incomplete information about the administration of the Library. The records best document the library holdings (1833-1938), and particular functions, such as classification. The Records include correspondence, accession logs, annual reports, in-house manuals and procedures statements, some financial records, printed catalogs, and shelf lists. The administrative files of Librarian Newton F. McKeon (1939-70), Charles Laugher (1970-75), and Willis E. Bridegam, Jr. (1975- ) are not part of this collection.


Information on Use
Terms of Access and Use
Restrictions on access:

There is no restriction on access to the Amherst College Library Records for research use. Particularly fragile items are restricted for preservation purposes.

Restrictions on use:

Requests for permission to publish material from the Papers should be directed to the Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Preferred Citation

Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:

[Identification of item], in Amherst College Library Records, 1833-1977 [Box #, folder #]. Amherst College Archives and Special Collections, Amherst College Library.

History of the Collection

Processing Information

As part of the College Archives ongoing efforts to arrange and describe all holdings, the scattered Library Records were centralized during September, 1992. There was little documentation indicating how the materials came into the Archives and little evidence of their original order. As part of processing, records that were created for a similar function were identified and organized together (e.g. serials, bibliographic instruction, classification, etc.). Within each series, suitable arrangement was imposed.

As a part of this project, Library records concerning library operations to 1970 were organized and described. Library records documenting library administration after 1939 were not processed at this time.

Processed:September 1992-July 1993
By: Anne Ostendarp, Project Archivist
Daria D'Arienzo, Archivist of the College
Emily Silverman, University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, Intern
Tanya Chebotarev, Simmons College School of Library Science, Intern
Revised:1994 April
By:Donna Skibel, Archives Associate
Finding Aid:March 2002
Prepared by:Sarah Sorscher '05, Student Assistant
Edited by:Peter Nelson, Assistant Archivist
Funding:The processing of the Amherst College Library Records was supported by the McGoun Fund


Additional Information
Contact Information
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Robert Frost Library
PO Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002-5000

Phone: (413) 542-2299
Fax: (413) 542-2692

Email Reference Form: http://www.amherst.edu/library/archives/askus
URL: http://www.amherst.edu/library/archives
Language
English.
Sponsor
Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Contents List
Series 1: ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS,
1849-1937


Series 1, ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS, 1849-1937, .5 linear feet, is the surviving administrative files of the Librarians of the College to 1937. Although incomplete, these records reflect the scope of the librarians' responsibilities such as fund raising, staff supervision (Dewey's "blunder book"), reference, and acquisitions. The bulk of the series is correspondence. Topics range from descriptions of policies and practices, to routine acknowledgements of books received by the Library, to Sunday hours (1894), to extermination of rats in the newly-built Converse Library.

Lucius M. Boltwood



Library fund
1849-58

Box 1: folder 1
Library fund subscribers list (See: bound volume at end of Series 1)

Box 1850: folder 1
Donors to the Library of Amherst College ... procured by Professors William S. Tyler and George B. Jewett
1851-53

Box 1: folder 2
[Regulations of the Library adopted by the Trustees]
1854 Aug 9

Box 1: folder 3
Correspondence
1854-69

Box 1: folder 4
Note:
Alumni Library Fund (circular)
1856 Aug

Box 1: folder 5
Melvil Dewey



Blunder book
1876-?

Box 1: folder 6
Walter S. Biscoe



Correspondence
1878-80

Box 1: folder 7
Correspondence: postcards
1879-80

Box 1: folder 8
William I. Fletcher



Correspondence
1884-99

Box 1: folder 9
Correspondence
1900-1911

Box 1: folder 10
Correspondence: postcards
1897-1904

Box 1: folder 11
"The ABC of reference work." W.I. Fletcher. Reprinted from the Proceedings of the National Educational Association 1901, pp. 847-49.
1901

Box 1: folder 12
Robert S. Fletcher



Correspondence
1912-17

Box 1: folder 13
Correspondence, Mass Agricultural College
1916-30

Box 1: folder 14
Correspondence
1918-33

Box 1: folder 15
Correspondence, Staff
1918-38

Box 1: folder 16
Size and cost of library staff
c. 1916

Box 1: folder 17
Carnegie Institution
1916-21

Box 1: folder 18
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
1917-34

Box 1: folder 19
Carnegie Corporation Advisory Group on College Libraries
1929-32

Box 1: folder 20
Library Survey
1927-28

Box 1: folder 21
Henry deForest Smith



Report on the urgent needs of the Library. Harry deForest Smith, Chairman.
1937 Mar

Box 1: folder 22
Bound volume: Library fund subscriptions (1850); Alumni subscription for $5000 for books... (1856); Catalog of books... (1827).
1827-1856

Box 1: folder 23
Library Years
1912-19

Box 1: folder 24
Library Years
1920-1934

Box 1: folder 25
Library Years
1935-39

Box 1: folder 26
Series 2: ANNUAL AND SUMMARY REPORTS,
1873-1969


Series 2, ANNUAL AND SUMMARY REPORTS, 1873-1969, .75 linear feet, contains the Librarian's annual reports by various names (1873-74, 1882-98, 1900-28, 1932-34, 1939-49, and 1965-69), the Quarterly Bulletin of the Amherst College Library (1899-1900), and the President's Report to the Trustees, by various names, which also contains the library annual report. These reports are organized by type and arranged chronologically within each type.

In general, the annual reports describe the additions to holdings, use and circulation statistics, and library expenditures. The Librarians also used the annual report to comment on a range of concerns, including theft in the library, ongoing gifts, overcrowded stacks or reading rooms, and changes in policies. Of particular interest is Assistant Librarian Melvil Dewey's description of the classification system and his estimates of cataloging productivity (1873-74 report). The Quarterly Bulletin includes "notes from other departments of the College," and describes a range of library interests. Topics include acquisitions, changes in the Library facility, the introduction of electric lights (in January, 1901), and requests for gifts for the Memorabilia alcove (1901). The President's Report includes the Librarian's annual report, sometimes in a condensed form.

The annual reports are incomplete. Copies of Ebenezer Snell's annual reports for 1840, 1843, and 1852, are located in his diaries in the Snell Family Papers. There are some annual reports of the dormitory libraries in Series 7.

Report of Assistant Librarian for the Trustees [M. Dewey m.s.]
1873-74

Box 1A: folder 1
Report of Assistant Librarian for the Trustees (photocopy)
1873-74

Box 1A: folder 2
Report of Assistant Librarian for the Trustees [t.s.] (2c.)
1873-74

Box 1A: folder 3
Fourth Annual Report of the Acting Librarian [W.S. Biscoe m.s.]
1882 Jun

Box 1A: folder 4
Fourth Annual Report of the Acting Librarian [t.s.]
1882 Jun

Box 1A: folder 5
Report of Amherst College Library for the year 1882-83 [m.s.]
1882-83

Box 1A: folder 6
Report of Amherst College Library for the year 1882-83 [t.s.]
1882-83

Box 1A: folder 7
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1884 Jun 28

Box 1A: folder 8
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1885 Jun 27

Box 1A: folder 9
Librarian's Report [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1885-86

Box 1A: folder 10
Librarian's Report [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1886-87

Box 1A: folder 11
Annual Report of the Librarian [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1887-88

Box 1A: folder 12
Annual Report of the Librarian [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1888-89

Box 1A: folder 13
Annual reports [t.s.]
1884-89

Box 1A: folder 14
Librarian's Annual Report [W.S. Fletcher m.s.]
1889-90

Box 1A: folder 15
Librarian's Annual Report [t.s.]
1889-90

Box 1A: folder 16
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1890-91

Box 1A: folder 17
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1891-92

Box 1: folder 18
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College [condensed report]
1891-92

Box 1: folder 19
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1892-93

Box 1: folder 20
Librarian's Report
1893-94

Box 1: folder 21
Annual reports [t.s.]
1890-94

Box 1: folder 22
Statement of the Librarian to the Trustees of Amherst College
1895 Jun 25

Box 1: folder 23
Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1895 Jun

Box 1: folder 24
Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1896 Jun 23

Box 1: folder 25
Report of the Librarian of Amherst College
1896-97

Box 1: folder 26
Report of the Librarian
1897-98

Box 1: folder 27
Annual reports [t.s.]
1895-96, 1897-98

Box 1: folder 28
Annual Report of the Librarian
1900/1-1903/4

Box 1: folder 29
Annual Report of the Librarian
1904/5-1911/2

Box 1: folder 30
Annual Reports
1913/4-1918/9

Box 1: folder 31
Converse Memorial Library Report
1919-20

Box 1: folder 32
Annual Reports
1919/20-1927/28

Box 1: folder 33
Report of the Librarian
1932/3-1934/5

Box 1: folder 34
Report of the Director
1939/40-42/3

Box 1: folder 35
Report of the Director
1943/4-1948/9

Box 1: folder 36
Amherst College Library Report for the Year
1965/6-1968/9

Box 1: folder 37
A Report on the Amherst College Library
1968-69

Box 1: folder 38
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library



Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (vols. 1, 2)
1899-1900

Box 2: folder 1
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (vols. 1, 2) (bound)
1899-1900

Box 2: folder 2
Report of the President to the Trustees



Report of the President to the Trustees (Amherst College Bulletin)
1914

Box 2: folder 3
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer (in: Amherst College Bulletin, Amherst Alumni News)
1928

Box 2: folder 4
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer
1929, 1930

Box 2: folder 5
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer
1931

Box 2: folder 6
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer (in: Amherst College Bulletin, Amherst Alumni News)
1932

Box 2: folder 7
Series 3: BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION,
1897-1969


Series 3, BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION, 1897-1969, 6 folders, includes Robert Fletcher's freshman orientation attendance book, an 1897 pamphlet on the resources of the Library, and flyers from the 1960s providing information about using the Library.

Amherst College Library [pamphlet]
[1897]

Box 2: folder 8
Attendance book: freshman library orientation
1914-16

Box 2: folder 9
An introduction for new students
1951

Box 2: folder 10
Card catalog [description]
1968

Box 2: folder 11
Selected guides [to reference sources]
1968

Box 2: folder 12
Periodicals in the Frost Library
1969

Box 2: folder 13
Series 4: CIRCULATION,
1908-1956


Series 4, CIRCULATION, 1908-1956, .25 linear feet, contains the circulation statistics of the Library. The 1908-1956 monthly statistics provide information on the daily circulation of each class of materials, with the monthly totals. The 1925-46 summary statistics offer monthly totals (by Dewey class), with additional information about student, overnight, reading room, and dormitory library use. Overnight circulation dating from 1905 to 1906, giving title and borrower information, is contained in an oversize volume. (This volume also contains quotations, poems, and anecdotes recorded by an unidentified individual.)

Circulation statistics
1908 Sep-1923 Jun

Box 2: folder 14
Circulation statistics
1923 Jul-1932 Jun

Box 2: folder 15
Circulation statistics
1932 Jul-1956 Jun

Box 2: folder 16
Circulation statistics (summaries)
1925-46

Box 2: folder 17
Overnight loans (and quotations, poems, and anecdotes)
1905-06

Box OV1
Series 5: CLASSIFICATION,
1873-1970


Series 5, CLASSIFICATION, 1873-1970, 1 linear foot, includes Dewey's publication on classification; working and annotated copies of the volume; and other cataloging department tools used in classifying publications. Melvil Dewey (AC 1874) is credited with creating the library classification system that allowed adjacent shelving of books with related topics. A photocopy of Dewey's proposal to the College Trustees is in this series.

Library classification [photocopy of Dewey's manuscript, courtesy Columbia University Libraries]
1873 May 8

Box 2: folder 18
Note:
Classification and subject index for cataloguing and arranging the books and pamphlets of a library. Melvil Dewey.
1876

Box 2: folder 19
Classification and subject index ... [annotated] (c. 2)
1876

Box 2: folder 20
Classification and subject index ... [annotated] (c. 3)
1876

Box 2: folder 21
Classification and subject index ... [annotated] (c. 4)
1876

Box 2: folder 22
Classification and subject index ... (c. 5)
1876

Box 2: folder 23
Library classification. W.I. Fletcher. (c. 1 and 2)
1894

Box 2: folder 24
Library classification. W.I. Fletcher. (c. 3 and 4)
1894

Box 2: folder 25
Explanation of the alphabetic-order marks. Charles A. Cutter. [1908 edition annotated]
1908, 1913

Box 2: folder 26
Arrangement of books on classics. Edited and compiled by Frances Forbes.
1926

Box 2: folder 27
Classification list 529-547 Chemistry
c. 1907

Box 2: folder 28
Classification list 529-547 Chemistry
n.d.

Box 2: folder 29
Classification list 700-769 Fine Arts
n.d.

Box 2: folder 30
Classification list 830-839 German
n.d.

Box 2: folder 31
Classification list 830-839 German
rev. 1917 Jan

Box 2: folder 32
Classification list 700-781.2 Music
n.d.

Box 2: folder 33
Classification list 530-539 Physics
n.d.

Box 2: folder 34
Classification list 530-539 Physics
n.d.

Box 2: folder 35
Classification list 300-329 Sociology, Statistics, Political Science
n.d.

Box 3: folder 1
Miss Snell's original classification scheme now somewhat outdated
1915?

Box 3: folder 2
Dewey's and Amherst classification scheme
1938?

Box 3: folder 3
Dewey's and Amherst classification scheme
1970?

Box 3: folder 4
Note:
Series 6: COMMITTEES,
1829-1939


Series 6, COMMITTEES, 1829-1939, .25 linear feet, contains the minutes, reports, and correspondence of the Book Committee and the Library Committee. The Book Committee was charged with overseeing academic department book fund allocations. There are related records in Series 8, FINANCIAL RECORDS. The Library Committee had oversight of library policy and budget. Of particular interest is the 1876 correspondence transferring the Athenian and Alexandrian Society libraries to the College Library.

Report on the state of the library ... illegal removal of books.
1829 May 6

Box 3: folder 5
Book Committee



Subcommittee on allotment of book fund to departments
1899-1910

Box 3: folder 6
H.W. Kidder to the Special (Sub)Committee re Library accounts
1907 Nov 11

Box 3: folder 7
Report re: allotment of money to departments
1907 Nov

Box 3: folder 8
Minutes
1910 Oct-1912 Nov

Box 3: folder 9
Note:
Library Committee



(President) Edward Hitchcock to the Committee on the Library re: Geology and zoology holdings
n.d.

Box 3: folder 10
Minutes
1854 Sep-1902 Mar

Box 3: folder 11
Minutes
1902 Sep-1917 Apr

Box 3: folder 12
Minutes
1917 Nov-1932 Mar

Box 3: folder 13
Minutes: loose items from volume
1902-17

Box 3: folder 14
Minutes index (minutes missing)
1917 Nov-1937 May

Box 3: folder 15
Committees of the Athenian and Alexandrian Societies to the Library Committee
1876

Box 3: folder 16
Correspondence
1897, 1939

Box 3: folder 17
Note:
Series 7, DORMITORY LIBRARIES,
1934-1970 (bulk 1934-1953)


Series 7, DORMITORY LIBRARIES, 1934-1970 [1934-53], .5 linear feet, centralizes information on the administration and operations of the fraternity and dormitory libraries. There are many gaps in the documentation. Materials include annual reports (1930s), shelf lists, use statistics, acquisitions information, and correspondence. The series is organized into two subseries: Administration, and Dormitories and Fraternities; within each subseries, files are arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Administration



Attendance statistics
1934-1947

Box 3: folder 18
Correspondence
1934-58

Box 3: folder 19
Financial statements (expenditure summaries)
1933-56

Box 3: folder 20
Information and instructions for student assistants
1946

Box 3: folder 21
Holdings information (comparisons of duplicate volumes)
1939-40

Box 3: folder 22
Library hours
1942

Box 3: folder 23
Regulations
n.d.

Box 3: folder 34
Signs
n.d., 1951

Box 3: folder 25
Dormitories and Fraternities



Beta Theta Pi
1948-49

Box 3: folder 26
Churchill House
1958-65

Box 3: folder 27
Delta Kappa Epsilon
1936-70

Box 3: folder 28
Delta Kappa Epsilon: missing volumes, shelf list, statistics
c. 1950-57

Box 3: folder 29
James and Stearns Halls
1946-53

Box 3: folder 30
King Library (North College)
1934-53

Box 3: folder 31
Morrow
1934-53

Box 3: folder 32
Morrow: shelf list
1935

Box 3: folder 33
Morrow: statistics
1934-43

Box 3: folder 34
Olds
1941, 1950

Box 3: folder 35
Pratt
1935-57

Box 3: folder 36
Stearns
1953-53

Box 3: folder 37
Turner Library (South College)
1936-54

Box 3: folder 38
Series 8: FINANCIAL RECORDS,
1853-1936


Series 8, FINANCIAL RECORDS, 1853-1936, 1 linear foot, contains the limited financial records of the collection. While the records do not provide an overall picture of library finances and budgeting, they do provide thorough documentation of the petty cash fund (1874-1936, with gaps), and department book allocation expenditures (1885-1908) for the time frames noted. There is also some information about the hours and wages of student assistants.

Book and binding account
1880's

Box 4: folder 1
Book expenditures (by departmental account)
1885-97

Box 4: folder 2
Book expenditures (by departmental account)
1897-1903

Box 4: folder 3
Book expenditures (by departmental account)
1903-05

Box 4: folder 4
Book expenditures (by departmental account)
1905-07

Box 4: folder 5
Book expenditures (by departmental account)
1907-08

Box 4: folder 6
Book expenditures
1905-17

Box OV2: folder 6
Budget request, 1936-37
1936

Box 4: folder 7
Budget 1928-29; Pease to Doherty
1928 May

Box 4: folder 8
[Cash book] receipts and expenditures
1874 Jul-1876 Dec

Box 4: folder 9
Cash book
1876 Dec-1877 Dec

Box 4: folder 10
Cash book
1877 Dec-1878 Dec

Box 4: folder 11
Cash book
1879 Jan-1880 Jun

Box 4: folder 12
Cash book
1880 Jun-1882 Jun

Box 4: folder 13
Cash book
1911 Sep-1914 May

Box 4: folder 14
Cash book
1914 Sep-1921 Jun

Box 4: folder 15
Cash book
1921 May-1922 Dec

Box 4: folder 16
Cash book
1923 Jan-1925 Dec

Box 4: folder 17
Cash book
1926 Jan-1930 Mar

Box 4: folder 18
Cash book
1930 Apr-1936 Jun

Box 4: folder 19
Library accounts volume 1 [ledger]
1854 Aug-1888 Sep

Box 4: folder 20
Library accounts volume 2 [ledger]
1888 Sep-1895 Nov

Box 4: folder 21
Library expense reports
1927 Apr-1936 Jun

Box 4: folder 22
Note:
Payroll invoices
1904-11, gaps

Box 4: folder 23
Payroll
1905 Nov-1927 Dec

Box 4: folder 24
Payroll: student assistants
1928 Jan-1932 Jun

Box 4: folder 25
Petty cash accounts (monthly)
1907 Oct-1914 Aug

Box 4: folder 26
Petty cash accounts (monthly)
1914 Sep-1927 Dec

Box 4: folder 27
Sears Fund: periodicals account; and time book (student assistants)
1853 May-1865 Jul, 1874

Box 4: folder 28
Loose items from financial records
c.1885-1932

Box 4: folder 29
Series 9: FIVE COLEGE COOPERATION,
1914-1977


Series 9, FIVE COLLEGE COOPERATION, 1914-1977, .5 linear feet, contains the correspondence and reports describing the cooperation among area colleges: Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges, the University of Massachusetts (originally Massachusetts Agricultural College), and, later, Hampshire College. The cooperation evolved from its informal, collegial beginnings to the structured cooperation of the Hampshire Inter-Library Center (HILC), formed in 1951. Topics in the correspondence include plans for a union list of periodicals (1914), ideas for distribution of catalog cards of shared holdings, and HILC ("A report of progress to the Presidents of Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and Smith by their Librarians"). The series is organized in two subseries: Library Cooperation and HILC. Both subseries are arranged chronologically.

Correspondence
1914-38

Box 5: folder 1
Correspondence
1939-46

Box 5: folder 2
Correspondence
1947-1948 May

Box 5: folder 3
Correspondence
1948 Jun-1949

Box 5: folder 4
Correspondence
1950-1951

Box 5: folder 5
Periodicals of Chemical Interest in the Connecticut Valley
1913

Box 5: folder 6
Short title microforms (University Microfilms)
1937-1941

Box 5: folder 7
Meetings
1941-1950

Box 5: folder 8
Smith College Library closed entries in new union list of serials
1942

Box 5: folder 9
Closed entries in new union list of serials
1950

Box 5: folder 10
Closed entries in new union list of serials
1950

Box 5: folder 11
Use of libraries by graduate students (announcement)
c. 1960

Box 5: folder 12
HILC: Hampshire Inter-Library Center



HILC annual reports, no. 1-16
1951-1967

Box 5: folder 13
HILC correspondence
1954-1974

Box 5: folder 14
A survey of its background and its problems with recommendations for the future. Keyes D. Metcalf.
1957

Box 5: folder 15
Guide to Hampshire Inter-Library Center
1965, 1968

Box 5: folder 16
HILC Archives listing
1977

Box 5: folder 17
Series 10, GIFTS,
1851-1933


Series 10, GIFTS, 1851-1933, 6 folders, contains correspondence and acknowledgements regarding particular gifts to the Library. There is some information about the William S. Tyler Fund, some of George A. Plimpton's gifts (French and Indian War Collection and individual volumes), and other gifts and contributions to the Library. Series 1, ADMINISTRATION and Series 11, HOLDINGS contain other sources of information about gifts to the Library.

Belcher, Nathan
1854, 1855

Box 5: folder 18
Brace, Jonathan: 1878 legacy
1903

Box 5: folder 19
Tappan, John
1851

Box 5: folder 20
Tyler, Mason: William Seymour Tyler Memorial Fund
1902

Box 5: folder 21
Plimpton, George A.
1911-33

Box 5: folder 22
Plimpton, George A.: Jebb Library
1927-28

Box 5: folder 23
Series 11, HOLDINGS,
1833-1972


Series 11, HOLDINGS, 1833-1972, 5 linear feet, centralizes the records that document the Library's holdings, including accession records, acquisitions lists, catalogs, shelf lists, and checklists.

The 15 accession volumes date from approximately 1837 to 1940 and record incoming books and serials. Accession statistics summarize purchase expenditures and binding costs, and numbers of gifts. Some statistics are divided by Dewey class. The acquisition list, identifying new library materials by subject class, was regularly distributed to the Amherst College community between 1970 and 1972. The catalogs include a handwritten subject catalog of holdings (1855), as well as published catalogs (1833, 1851, 1871). The 1827 catalog is located in Series 1, ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS (it is bound with other materials). The shelf lists and checklists are yet another source documenting Library holdings. Some of these materials were working tools and are annotated (Cuttered shelf lists).

Sub-series A: ACCESSIONS



Accession Statistics



Accession statistics: summary of statistics contained in bound Accession Records vol. 2-15, 1852-1976; other summary accession statistics
n.d.

Box 5: folder 24
"Accession records Oct. 1912-July 1916. In the hand of Sabra Snell except the last page (Miss Ethelyn Manning)." Accession statistics
1912-16

Box 5: folder 25
Accession Log



"Catalogue of Accessions" Vol. 1
c. 1837-1852 Sep

Box OV3: folder 25
Vol. 2
1852 Oct-1859 Dec

Box OV4: folder 25
Vol. 3
1859 Dec-1963 Jun

Box OV5: folder 25
Vol. 4
1863 Jun-1869 Feb

Box OV6: folder 25
Vol. 5
1869 Feb-1874 Nov

Box OV7: folder 25
Vol. 6
1874 Nov-1882 Apr

Box OV8: folder 25
Vol. 7
1882 Apr-1887 Jan

Box OV9: folder 25
Vol. 8
1887 Feb-1990 Oct

Box OV10: folder 25
Vol. 9
1890 Oct-1986 Mar

Box OV11: folder 25
Vol. 10
1896 Mar-1901 Apr

Box OV12: folder 25
Vol. 11
1901 Apr-1905 Dec

Box OV13: folder 25
Vol. 12
1905 Oct-1909 Sep

Box OV14: folder 25
Vol. 13
1909 Sep-1913 Feb

Box OV15: folder 25
Vol. 14
1913 Feb-1916 Mar

Box OV16: folder 25
Vol. 15
1916 Jun-1940 Mar

Box OV17: folder 25
Accession book
1897?

Box OV18: folder 25
Accession records
1916 Sep-1927 Jun

Box 5: folder 26
Accession records
1927 Jul-1941 Jun

Box 5: folder 27
Accession records
1941 Jul-1946 Jun

Box 5: folder 28
Accession records
1946 Jul-1958 Jun

Box 5: folder 29
Accession records
1958 Jul-1967 Jun

Box 5: folder 30
Sub-series B: ACQUISITIONS



Acquisitions lists vol. 1
1970 Oct-Dec

Box 6: folder 1
Acquisitions lists vol. 2
1971 Jan-Jun

Box 6: folder 2
Acquisitions lists vol. 3
1971 Jul-Dec

Box 6: folder 3
Acquisitions lists vol. 4
1972 Jan-May

Box 6: folder 4
Acquisitions lists vol. 5
1972 Jun-Dec

Box 6: folder 5
Sub-series C: CATALOGUES



Catalogue of the Library of Amherst College
1833

Box 6: folder 6
Index of subjects (A-P) [subject catalog]
1851

Box 6: folder 7
Index of subjects (Q-Z) [subject catalog]
1851

Box 6: folder 8
Catalogue of the Library of Amherst College (2 c.)
1855

Box 6: folder 9
Catalogue of the Library of Amherst College 1855 and 1871 (2 volumes bound together). Cuttered annotations. (2 c.)
1871

Box 6: folder 10
Catalogue of the Library of Amherst College 1855 and 1871 (2 volumes bound together). 1855 annotated.
1871

Box 6: folder 11
Catalogue of the Library of Amherst College 1855 and 1871 (2 volumes bound together).
1871

Box 6: folder 12
Sub-series D: SHELF LISTS



Shelf list for the Jonathan Brace Library given to Amherst College
1888

Box 7: folder 1
Obsolete shelf list 1-300
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 2
Obsolete shelf list 1-300
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 3
Obsolete shelf list 400-700
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 4
Obsolete shelf list 400-700
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 5
Obsolete shelf list 800-900
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 6
Obsolete shelf list 800-900
to 1895?

Box 7: folder 7
Shelf list copied on current uncuttered sheets 00-900
to 1908?

Box 7: folder 8
Shelf list copied on current uncuttered sheets 00-900
to 1908?

Box 7: folder 9
Shelf list copied on current uncuttered sheets 00-900
to 1908?

Box 7: folder 10
Shelf list copied on cards to be cuttered 1-700
to 1924?

Box 7: folder 11
Shelf list copied on cards to be cuttered 800-900
to 1924?

Box 7: folder 12
Shelf list copied on cards to be cuttered 800-900
to 1924?

Box 7: folder 13
Shelf list copied on cards to be cuttered 800-900
to 1924?

Box 7: folder 14
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 000, 200
n.d.

Box 7: folder 15
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 000, 200
n.d.

Box 7: folder 16
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 300-400
n.d.

Box 7: folder 17
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 300-400
n.d.

Box 7: folder 18
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 300-400
n.d.

Box 7: folder 19
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 500
n.d.

Box 7: folder 20
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 500
n.d.

Box 8: folder 1
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 500
n.d.

Box 8: folder 2
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 600-700
n.d.

Box 8: folder 3
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 600-700
n.d.

Box 8: folder 4
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 800-900
n.d.

Box 8: folder 5
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 800-900
n.d.

Box 8: folder 6
As cuttered as taken from the current shelf list 800-900
n.d.

Box 8: folder 7
Sub-series E: CHECKLISTS



Works on Egypt in the Library of Amherst College
1886

Box 8: folder 8
Fiction lists
1901?

Box 8: folder 9
Checklist of public documents
1895

Box 8: folder 10
Checklist of books in Library reading room [reference works]
to 1919

Box 8: folder 11
List of maps (withdrawals annotated)
1955

Box 8: folder 12
Note:
Series 12, PROCEDURES MANUALS,
1917-1956


Series 12, PROCEDURES MANUALS, 1917-1956, .5 linear feet is the departments' procedures descriptions. Most of the manuals seem to have been developed between 1942 and 1947, with updates annotated. Some procedures information for the dormitory libraries is located in Series 7, DORMITORY LIBRARIES.

General



Guide for student assistants
n.d.

Box 8: folder 13
Note:
Library Manual
c.1945

Box 8: folder 14
Library Manual
c.1956

Box 8: folder 15
Cataloging



Cataloging procedures decisions (notebook)
c.1915-54

Box 8: folder 16
Arrangement of cards in a dictionary catalogue. [Sabra Snell?]
1924?

Box 8: folder 17
Cataloging department staff manual, 1942-43
1942-43

Box 8: folder 18
Dewey and Amherst classification discrepancies. K.C. Cowles.
1944

Box 8: folder 19
Cataloging department manual
1948?

Box 8: folder 20
Cataloging department manual
c.1949

Box 8: folder 21
Circulation



Charging system
n.d.

Box 8: folder 22
Guide for delivery desk and reading room assistants
1917

Box 8: folder 23
Circulation procedures manual
1948-49

Box 8: folder 24
Office



Office manual
1943 Jun

Box 8: folder 25
Order department



Order department manual
1943

Box 8: folder 26
Order department manual
1947

Box 8: folder 27
Series 13, SERIALS AND BINDING,
1884-1949


Series 13, SERIALS AND BINDING, 1884-1949, .5 linear feet, contains the incomplete records concerning serials, binding, and repairs. This series includes check-in forms for 1884-87 and 1910-11. The catalogs in Series 11, HOLDINGS include the serials holdings.

Serials



Periodicals check-in
1884-87

Box 8: folder 28
Periodicals
1895 Nov 26

Box 9: folder 1
Periodical subscriptions
1904, 1907, 1909

Box 9: folder 2
Weekly periodicals check-in
1910-11

Box 9: folder 3
Applications for permits for the importation of [periodicals] foreign books and newspapers
1916-17

Box 9: folder 4
Foreign serials
1949

Box 9: folder 5
Binding



Binding log; order book 1873-84
1873-94

Box OV19: folder 5
Binding and repair log
1894-1902

Box 9: folder 6
Binding
1903-23

Box 9: folder 7
Series 14: RESERVE READING LISTS,
1938-1961


Series 14, RESERVE READING LISTS, 1938-1961, 2 linear feet, is the faculty's requests for books to be placed on reserve for course readings. In addition, there are some lists of scripts for the use of the Masquers, the students' theater club. The reading lists are potentially a useful source for curriculum research. The series is organized chronologically, by academic year; within the academic year, the lists are arranged by department name, then by course number.

Reserve reading lists
1938-40

Box 10: folder 1
Reserve reading lists
1940-41

Box 10: folder 2
Reserve reading lists
1941-42

Box 10: folder 3
Reserve reading lists
1942-43

Box 10: folder 4
Reserve reading lists
1944-46

Box 10: folder 5
Reserve reading lists
1946-47

Box 10: folder 6
Reserve reading lists
1947-48

Box 10: folder 7
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1948-49

Box 10: folder 8
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1948-49

Box 10: folder 9
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1949-50

Box 10: folder 10
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1949-50

Box 10: folder 11
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1950-51

Box 10: folder 12
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1950-51

Box 10: folder 13
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1951-52

Box 10: folder 14
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1951-52

Box 10: folder 15
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1952-53

Box 10: folder 16
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1952-53

Box 10: folder 17
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1953-54

Box 11: folder 1
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1953-54

Box 11: folder 2
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1954-55

Box 11: folder 3
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1954-55

Box 11: folder 4
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1955-56

Box 11: folder 5
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1955-56

Box 11: folder 6
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1956-57

Box 11: folder 7
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1956-57

Box 11: folder 8
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1957-58

Box 11: folder 9
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1957-58

Box 11: folder 10
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1958-59

Box 11: folder 11
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1958-59

Box 11: folder 12
Reserve reading lists (1 of 2)
1959-61

Box 11: folder 13
Reserve reading lists (2 of 2)
1959-61

Box 11: folder 14
Series 15: ADDENDUM,
1910-1968


The ADDENDUM includes annual reports of the Amherst College Library for the period 1910-1968. The Amherst Alumni Council News, 1927-1932, contains the Librarian's annual reports; the Amherst College Annual Report, 1914-1926, and the President's Report to the Trustees, 1911, 1914, 1918 and 1927-1968 contain the library annual report by various names. Bound copies of the Library Records, 1899-1965, contain the library report from the Librarian of the College. The materials are organized by type and arranged chronologically within each type.

In general, the annual reports describe the additions to holdings, use and circulation statistics, and library expenditures. The Librarians also used the annual report to comment on a range of concerns, including theft in the library, ongoing gifts, overcrowded stacks or reading rooms, and changes in policies. The President's Report includes the Librarian's annual report, sometimes in a condensed form.

Annual Report of the Librarian



Annual Report of the Librarian of Amherst College [W. I. Fletcher]
1910-1911

Box 12: folder 1
Amherst College Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1913-1916

Box 12: folder 1
Amherst College Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1916-1919

Box 12: folder 1
Converse Memorial Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1919-1922

Box 12: folder 1
Converse Memorial Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1922-1925

Box 12: folder 1
Converse Memorial Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1925-1926

Box 12: folder 1
Converse Memorial Library, Annual Reports [R.S. Fletcher]
1926-1927

Box 12: folder 1
Report of the President to the Trustees



President's Report
1910-1911

Box 12: folder 2
Report of the President to the Trustees [R. S. Fletcher] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1914

Box 12: folder 2
Report of the President to the Trustees [A. Meiklejohn] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1918

Box 12: folder 2
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer (in: Amherst Alumni Council News)
1928

Box 12: folder 2
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer
1929

Box 12: folder 2
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer
1930

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer (in: Amherst Alumni Council News)
1931

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President, Dean, Librarian, College Physician, and Treasurer (in: Amherst Alumni Council News)
1932

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1933

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1934

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1935

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1936

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1937

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1938

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1939

Box 12: folder 3
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1940

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin
1941

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1942

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1943

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1944

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1945

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [S. King] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1946

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1946-1947

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1947-1948

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1948-1949

Box 12: folder 4
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1949-1950

Box 12: folder 5
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1950-1951

Box 12: folder 5
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1951-1952

Box 12: folder 5
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1952-1953

Box 12: folder 5
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1953-1954

Box 12: folder 5
Report of the President [C. Cole] (in: Bulletin of Amherst College)
1954-1955

Box 12: folder 5
The President's Report [C. Cole] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1946-1956

Box 12: folder 5
The President's Report [C. Cole] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1956-1957

Box 12: folder 6
The President's Report [C. Cole] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1957-1958

Box 12: folder 6
The President's Report [C. Cole] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1958-1959

Box 12: folder 6
The President's Report [C. Cole] (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1959-1960

Box 12: folder 6
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1960-1961

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1961-1962

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1962-1963

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1963-1964

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1964-1966

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1966-1967

Box 12: folder 7
The President's Report (in: Amherst College Bulletin)
1967-1968

Box 12: folder 7
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library



Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1898-1919

Box 13
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1919-1929

Box 13
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1929-1932

Box 13
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1932-1935

Box 13
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1939-1949

Box 13
Quarterly Bulletin of Amherst College Library (bound)
1949-1965

Box 13
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1939-1940

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1940-1941

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1941-1942

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1942-1943

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1943-1944

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1944-1945

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director (3 copies)
1945-1946

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1947-1948

Box 13: folder 1
Amherst College Library Report of the Director
1948-1949

Box 13: folder 1

Search Terms
The following terms represent persons, organizations, and topics documented in this collection. Use these headings to search for additional materials on this web site, in the Five College Library Catalog, or in other library catalogs and databases.

Subjects
  • Amherst College--History--Sources.
  • Amherst College. Library--History--Sources.


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