PDF Finding Aid

Using These Materials


RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

More...

Navigate the Collection

Summary

Abstract:
From its formation in 1966 in Albany, New York, the Society of Bibliophiles aimed to encourage and foster a love of books along with an appreciation for the art of bookmaking. The Society of Bibliophiles arranged trips to various lectures and exhibits both within and outside of the Albany area, and arranged meetings and events at which books were the central focus. The collection consists of records produced between 1966 and 2002, and includes newsletters and announcements, organizational documents, materials from various sites visited and events, information about booksellers and bookbinders, as well as a number of other general administrative documents.
Extent:
1.8 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, The Society of Bibliophiles Records, 1966-2002. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Society of Bibliophiles Records).

Background

Scope and Content:

The records of the Society of Bibliophiles of Albany, NY document the group's activities from 1966-2002 (please note that these dates are non-inclusive). These activities, which reflect the society's commitment to furthering the interests of book lovers (as noted in its constitution), include meetings, talks and lectures, trips to exhibits and bookstores/auctions, as well as tours of libraries and other book-related facilities.

The Society of Bibliophiles collection is divided into two series: Administrative and Subject Folders. The Administrative series contains general administrative documents generated and accumulated by the society during its regular activities. This series contains a file containing records for every year from 1966 to 1991, as well as for 2001-2002. Reflecting a change in the society's recordkeeping processes, the Subject Folder series consists of folders referring to specific processes or types of records, including announcements, member materials, newsletters, and clippings. This series contain records dating from 1967 to 2002, although the bulk of the material falls between 1991 and 2000.

Biographical / Historical:

The first meeting of the Society of Bibliophiles of Albany, NY was held on September 27, 1966, at which time the group adopted its name, elected a steering committee, and planned for future meetings and events. As chief organizers of this meeting, Walter A. Frankel and David L. Mitchell continued to head the society into the early 1970s, at which point Harriet Dyer Adams officially assumed the position of president until 1976. A formal constitution was established during the mid-1970s, describing procedures for electing officers and holding meetings, which were subsequently used in nominating Wayne Somers as the society's next president in 1977. The Society of Bibliophiles arranged and attended meetings and lectures pertaining to book collecting, papermaking, book binding, as well as various authors and books. The group also began its annual tradition of a year-end Wayzegoose party in 1970, at which members gather for dinner and discussion of books.

Presidents of the society and the approximate dates of their terms are as follows: Harriet Dyer Adams (1970-1976), Wayne Somers (1977-1980), Sydney Ross (1981-1982), Arnold Elkind (1983-1984), Bruce Northrup (1985-1987), Ellen Fladger (1988-1991), Christine Bain (1992, 1994-2001), and Michael Aikey (1993).

Acquisition information:
Lorre Smith (secretary) of the Society of Bibliophiles donated all items in the collection to the University Libraries, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections Archives in 2004 .
Processing information:

Processed in 2016 by Kaitlin Buerge.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into the following series:

  1. Series 1 - Administrative, 1966-1991, 2000-2002, Undated
  2. Series 2 - Subject Folders, 1967-2002, Undated

Series 1 is arranged chronologically while Series 2 is arranged alphabetically.

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Contents


Access

Using These Materials

ACCESS:
The archives are open to the public and anyone is welcome to visit and view the collections.
RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, The Society of Bibliophiles Records, 1966-2002. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Society of Bibliophiles Records).

Schedule a Visit

Archival materials can be viewed in-person in our reading room. We recommend making an appointment to ensure materials are available when you arrive.

Schedule a Visit Hours