Special Collections Development Policy

The Special Collections Department of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library collects manuscripts that document four areas of research: the history of science, higher education, literature and politics. In general, we collect personal papers of individuals, although records of organizations are added to the collection on occasion. We usually limit our collecting to the papers of individuals who in some way have had a connection with The Johns Hopkins University but may occasionally accept the papers of non-Hopkins individuals.

Personal papers cover a wide range of manuscripts. Some of the most common are correspondence both professional and personal, diaries, laboratory notebooks and other research files, classroom teaching materials, drafts and published copies of writings and speeches, photographs, and audio-visual materials. A more complete list of desired materials for each area is available. Personal papers do not include materials created in the normal operation of a University department. These manuscripts are official University records and will be sent to the University Archives.

History of Science. Special Collections seeks manuscripts collections relating to scientific and technological developments that occurred in connection with The Johns Hopkins University. These includes papers of faculty members and research personnel who received their training from or pursued a good portion of their research at Hopkins. The only Hopkins scientific personnel whose papers are not sought are those associated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the School of Medicine, or the School of Public Health. These papers are collected by the Alan M. Chesney Medical Archives of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

History of Higher Education. Since The Johns Hopkins University played a seminal role in the development of the university in America, the papers of early faculty members and administrators are sought by Special Collections. To supplement these early papers we will selectively add the papers of more recent individuals, if his or her career appears to mark a new departure in university education.

Literary History. The manuscripts and personal papers of authors are sought by Special Collections. Of special interest are the papers of literary figures who have had a connection with The Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars either as faculty or students. Papers of Writing Seminars authors may on occasion be supplemented by those authors without a connection to the program if their papers would enhance the research potential of previously accessioned manuscripts.

Political History. Special Collections seeks personal papers which document the political activities of Hopkins-related individuals. This is not restricted to individuals who have held elective office but includes those whose careers have affected public policy in general. Particular emphasis will be placed on activities which took place in or affected the Maryland region.