Library and Archives department records

Library and Archives department records

Collection Overview

Repository:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives.
Creator:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Library and Archives Department.
Title:
Library and Archives department records
Call Number:
A0044
Dates:
1972-2005 (bulk 1993-2001)
Volume:
1 cubic ft. (1 box)
Historical Abstract:
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) library was established in 1952 when a small assortment of art books owned by the first SRGM director, Hilla Rebay (HR), became the basis of the formal library collection. As of 2007, the SRGM library collection contains published resources that reflect and inform museum collections and exhibitions, with particular focus on modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. The SRGM library mission is to support the research endeavors of the SRGM professional staff. The SRGM archives was formally established in 1973 under the direction of Ward Jackson. The archives collections include comprehensive SRGM exhibition files; administrative papers of previous museum directors and curators; materials surrounding the construction and opening of the museum; and personal papers of HR. The mission of the SRGM archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to all historical documentation of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the records related to the history and activities of the SRGM for the purpose of administrative support and historical research. In the late 1990's the SRGM library and archives became one unified department.
Scope and Content Abstract:
The Library and Archives department records span the years 1972-2005 (bulk 1993-2001), and document the history, procedures, activities, and collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) Library and Archives department. The records chronicle the development of the department through the creation of key policies and procedures. Also included are records related to the physical site of the SRGM library and archives; interior photographs of the original location; correspondence; memoranda; and reports.
Location:
OS
Language:
Collection is primarily in English.
Arrangement:
Organized into 3 series: 1. General; 2. Library; 3. Archives.
Restrictions:
The collection is partially restricted. Please contact the Manager of the Library and Archives for further information.
Publication Rights:
Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Manager of the Library and Archives.
Preferred Citation:
Library and Archives department records. A0044. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives, New York, NY.
Subjects:
Archives management.
Library administration.
Museum archives -- New York (State) -- New York.
Museum libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Contributors:
Drutt, Matthew.
Jackson, Ward, 1928-2004.
Finding aid prepared by Lesley A. Espenship in October 2007.

Historical Note

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) library was established in 1952 when a small assortment of art books owned by the first SRGM director, Hilla Rebay (HR), became the basis of the formal library collection. This collection continued to expand, eventually including artist files, periodicals and monographs. In 1961, SRGM Director Thomas Messer appointed a full-time librarian, Mary Joan Hall (MJH), to oversee the collection. MJH served in this position until 1981 and has been succeeded by several key staff members who have helped shape and form the direction and policies of the SRGM library. As of 2007, the SRGM library collection contains published resources that reflect and inform museum collections and exhibitions, with particular focus on modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. The SRGM library mission is to support the research endeavors of the SRGM professional and administrative staff. The library also serves interns, volunteers, docents, and teachers at the SRGM.

The SRGM archives was formally established in 1973 under the direction of Ward Jackson (WJ). WJ remained at the SRGM archives until 1992. Since then, archives staff members have further developed the department and maintained its unique collections. The archives collections include comprehensive SRGM exhibition files; administrative papers of previous museum directors and curators; materials surrounding the construction and opening of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed museum in 1959; and personal papers of HR. The mission of the SRGM archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to all historical documentation of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the records related to the history and activities of the SRGM for the purpose of administrative support and historical research.

The library and archives were originally housed at the site of the SRGM but due to space constraints were moved to the Liederkranz Foundation building in 1979. In the late 1990's the SRGM library and archives became one unified department. As of 2007, the department resides in the administrative and curatorial offices of SRGM. The archives are available for use by qualified scholars and researchers, while the library is not open to the public.

Bibliography

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Library History. Library and Archives department records. A0044. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives, New York, NY.

Scope and Content Note

The Library and Archives department records span the years 1972-2005 (bulk 1993-2001), and document the history, procedures, activities, and collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) Library and Archives department. The records chronicle the development of the department through the creation of key policies and procedures. Departmental planning is further explored in records detailing goals and special projects. Documents such as loan and usage requests provide an understanding of how the archives are utilized by staff and outside researchers. Records pertaining to the archival collections also detail acquisitions, loans to other institutions and inventory records. Library and Archives department staff correspondence and memoranda discuss issues and procedures pertaining to the department, such as the development of a mission statement, project planning and site concerns. Also included are records related to the physical site of the library and archives, from space planning to several location changes. The collection contains interior photographs of the original location; correspondence; memoranda; and reports. The collection is organized into 3 series: 1. General; 2. Library; 3. Archives.

Series Descriptions

Series 1. General, 1989-2005, .25 cubic ft.
Summary: Series 1. General contains information pertaining to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Library and Archives department as a whole. Included are staff correspondence; memoranda; reports; and proposals. The records provide an overview of the physical site of the library and archives, particularly related to changes in location. Also included are documents containing department overview and history. Information regarding departmental operations and staff responsibilities are also present here.
Arrangement: Alphabetical
Series 2. Library, 1994-1998, .25 cubic ft.
Summary: Series 2. Library contains information regarding the collection, location and departmental assessment of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum library. Also included is material regarding the movement of the collection to a new site in 1994. Records consist of correspondence; memoranda; and reports.
Arrangement: Alphabetical
Series 3. Archives, 1972-2005 (bulk 1994-2001), .5 cubic ft.
Summary: Series 3. Archives documents the development of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) archives through policies, procedures and projects. Records contain correspondence; memoranda; collection inventory lists; and reports.
Arrangement: Alphabetical

Folder List

Series 1. General, 1989-2005, .25 cubic ft.
BoxFolderTitleDate
Facilities
100209Liederkranz (6 folders) (restricted)1994-1995, 1999
100209Photographs: Interiorundated
Renovation Proposals
100209General (2 folders)1989, 1995
100209Architectural Plans1989
100209Space and Storage Planning2000-2002
100209Goals2001
100209Job Descriptionsundated
100209Overview and Historyundated
100209Policies and Proceduresundated, 2000-2001
100209Staff (3 folders) (1 restricted)1993-1998, 2005
Series 2. Library, 1994-1998, .25 cubic ft.
BoxFolderTitleDate
100209Art Libraries Society of North America: Correspondence (restricted)1994-1995
100209Distributed Materials Request1994-1995
100209Loans (restricted)1997
100209Move From Liederkranz to 575 Broadway1994
100209Needs Assessment1997-1998
100209Subscriptions (restricted)1995
Series 3. Archives, 1972-2005 (bulk 1994-2001), .5 cubic ft.
BoxFolderTitleDate
100209Acquisitions (11 folders) (restricted)1994-2001
100209Assessment and Planning1982-2001
100209Contracts: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Usage Permission2002
100209Facilities (2 folders) (restricted)1999, 2001
Hilla von Rebay
100209Documentary Film2001
100209Foundation Archive1994-1995
Inventory
100209General (2 folders)1972, 1979
100209Carlyle Records Warehouse List (2 folders)2002
100209Loans (3 folders) (restricted)1997-1998, 2001
100209Meeting Agenda2000
100209Permission Requests (restricted)2002
Policies and Procedures
100209Blank Forms: Internal Use, Reader Registration, Accession, Receipt of Delivery, Photocopy Requestundated
100209Deed of Gift2002
100209Outgoing Loans2001
100209Reproduction Requests2001
Projects
100209Architectural Drawing Restoration2005
Oral Histories
100209Future Project Planning1994-1995, 1999
100209Guggenheim, Peggy: Interview Digitization2005
100209Kahan, Marion2001
100209Lawson-Johnston, Peter1995
100209Publications Archive1994-1995
100209Staff: General and Correspondence (4 folders)undated, 1990-1992, 2001