Alaska State Library

Collection

Identifier: MS 186

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Historical Records of the Alaska State Library, ca. 1920-[ongoing] (bulk 1954-1982). The collection includes correspondence, speeches, papers, minutes, reports, and other records documenting the conception and early days of the Alaska State Library. The collection also includes some records of the Alaska Historical Association. Although the documents include the 1920-1998 time-period, the bulk of the collection is from 1954-1982. Photographs were added to PCA 304, Libraries in Alaska.

In February, 2005, administrative and historical files from the Historical Collections were added, beginning with Folder 15. Original folder titles were retained.

Dates

Majority of material found within ca. 1920-[ongoing] ( 1954-1982)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Request for permission to publish or reproduce material from the collection should be discussed with the librarian.

Historical

The Department of Library Service was established in 1955 to provide library service in the Territory of Alaska, to serve as a reference library for Territorial offices and libraries, to coordinate and assist library activities throughout the territory, and to administer the annual grant-in-aid to incorporated library associations. In 1959 the Department was placed within the Department of Education for administrative purposes; it assumed the title Alaska State Library.

From: Report to the Governor, “Introduction,” ca. 1966-1967, Ms 186, Folder 1.

Extent

2 boxes : 26 folders

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The original collection was transferred from the Alaska State Library’s administrative office in 1999 by George V. Smith, Deputy Director (Folders 1-14). In Feb. 2005, administrative files from the Historical Collections were added, beginning with Folder 15. Folder 26 was transferred from Alaska State Library administrative files on July 22, 2008.

Processing Information

Collection was re-foldered. Original order and folder titles were retained. In 2005, active administrative and historical files from Historical Collections were added to the end and the collection was made ongoing. Photographs were added to PCA 304. A folder-level inventory is available.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Finding aid for the Alaska State Library
Status: In Progress
Author: Processed by: Gladi Kulp June 2000 ; ArchivesSpace finding aid by: Sandy Johnston
Date: 2019 June
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: Undetermined
Script of description: Code for undetermined script
Language of description note: English