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Student browsing in the Kerr Library, 1966. In the interest of researchers and patrons such as this student in 1966, the Friends of the Library has sought to promote the Library through publicity and the encouragement of gifts and donations. Since its establishment in 1943, the Friends have sponsored events highlighting the resources of the Library and its place in the larger university community such as the Co-op Book Award and the annual Library Day. This role as a support organization is reflected in the records of the Friends of the Library, which documents the administration of activities such as the annual Library Day and includes correspondence, minutes, newsletters, constitutions, and brochures. [OSU Archives P83:131] Friends of the Library Records, (RG 2)1934-1996 Scope and Content NoteThese records document the administration and activities of this library support organization. Given differences in the series designations between the paper and microfilm records in this group, the microfilm reels are described separately below and in the inventory. The paper records are organized into eight series and date from 1934 to 1996. Series I consists of correspondence and pertains to planning efforts for the annual Library Day dinner and presentation, docent activities, gifts, membership, and the McDonald Rare Book Room. Series II consists of minutes from Board of Director's meetings and a minute book with handwritten notes from various unidentified meetings. Series III contains annual and treasurer's reports, and reports with basic information about the Friends of the Library. Series IV consists of copies of the constitutions and bylaws and their revisions. Series V contains brochures for the annual Library Day Spring dinner and presentation, a hand-book on the use of the OSU Library (printed by the Friends of the Library), and publications of Library dedication ceremonies and Library Day speeches and addresses. Series VI consists of lists of the membership and officers of the Friends of the Library. Series VII is an undated essay on the history of the Friends of the Library. Series VIII contains copies of the Friends of the Library newsletters: Bulletin of the Friends of the Library and A Friendly Newsletter. There are 13 series in the microfilm records which cover the years 1940 to 1966. Series I consists of minutes from the Co-op Book Award Committee and the Friends of the Library Board of Director's meetings. Series II contains correspondence primarily relating to meetings, members, and Friends-sponsored events such as Library Day. Series III pertains to the Co-op Book Awards and consists of correspondence, newspaper clippings, contest reports, and judge/contestant lists. Series IV consists of copies of the constitution and revisions. Series V consists of lists of guests at the annual Library Day banquet. Series VI primarily constitutes correspondence relating to gifts and donations. Series VII consists of essays sub-mitted by students for the Co-op Book Award Contest and news releases relating to the contest and Library Day. Series VIII contains membership lists. Series IX consists of lists of officers in the Friends of the Library. Series X contains newspaper clippings from the Barometer and the Corvallis Gazette-Times pertaining to events sponsored by the Friends of the Library and news about members.Series XI consists of Friends of the Library newsletters. Series XII contains brochures and flyers mostly pertaining to the annual Library Day and other events. Series XIII consists entirely of annual and treasurer's reports. Historical NoteThe Friends of the Library of Oregon State University was founded on October 27, 1943, to promote "interest in the Library of Oregon State College" and to encourage "suitable gifts and bequests to the Library." The organization is governed by a board of twelve directors, with the University Librarian acting as executive secretary. Included among the activities sponsored by the Friends over the years have been the Annual Library Day and the Co-op Book Award Contest. This contest, financially supported by the OSU Bookstore, offered $50 in credit at the bookstore for the best student essay on literature and/or the importance of reading. The event was also known as the Student Personal Library Contest. Significant donations to the Friends have included a Bible from the13th century. Related MaterialsOther records relating to the Friends of the Library can be found in the records and photographs of the Library (RG 9, P 83). Shelf Locations8/1/3/60 Inventory - Paper RecordsInventory - MicrofilmPrepared by: Karl McCreary |
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