Monthly Archives: September 2010

Currently on Display – Special Collections Newest Acquisitions

Stop by the Third Floor of Bender Library to see our exhibit featuring Special Collections two newest acquisitions – the Barlett & Steele Archives and the Sally L. Smith Papers.

The Barlett and Steele Archive (1971-2010) consists of materials created and collected by Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele in connection with their research for published and unpublished newspaper and magazine articles and books.  It contains raw research on unfinished and unpublished projects, as well as leads on potential stories.  The archive includes audiovisual materials, books, corporate and government reports, correspondence, Freedom of Information Act filings, interview notes and transcriptions, manuscripts, statistical analyses, tax returns, and numerous letters from readers expressing their views on a wide range of issues or suggesting future stories. The files relate to a variety of topics including criminal justice, energy, federal housing programs, foreign aid, Howard Hughes, Indian gaming, litigation, nuclear waste, Olympics, Nelson A. Rockefeller, and taxes.  On display are materials created and collected as part of their award winning series for The Philadelphia Inquirer on the operations of the Philadelphia criminal courts including data sheets and transcripts for three aggravated robbery indictments, notes on courtroom activities, punch cards and a computer tape.

Sally L. Smith Papers (1950s-2000s) document her work as an educator at American University and the Lab School of Washington through correspondence, notes from meetings with students and parents, and syllabi.  Also covered is her work for the World Health Organization and the World Federation of Mental Health. Her expertise in learning disabilities is illustrated through manuscripts of published and unpublished monographs and speeches.   Also included are materials she compiled on learning disabilities.  On display are materials related to the Lab School and its innovative curriculum and Sally Smith’s work as author and educator.

The exhibit will be on display through the end of the semester.