Collection ID: C330
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Young Men's Christian Association (Indiana University)
Abstract:
The Red Book was a student and faculty directory published annually by the Indiana University Young Men's Christian Association from 1892-1971. In addition to contact information, the books covered a variety of topics over the years, including information about the YMCA and other campus organizations, academic calendars, tips for new students, local business advertisements, and maps of Bloomington and the IU campus.
Extent:
6 cubic feet (15 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English
Preferred citation:

[Item], Indiana University YMCA Red Book collection, Collection C330, Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

The Indiana University Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1891 and the first known Student's Handbook was published by the YMCA in 1892. Student Directories were printed separately until 1910/1911 when directory and handbook were combined into the Red Book. The book was free to YMCA members until 1920 when it became "free to all men students of the University and members of the faculty" (Arbutus 1920).

Beginning in 1941/42 The Red Book was published each semester, reflecting the three semester accelerated schedule implemented by IU to accommodate WWII efforts. From 1948/49 to 1953/54 the publication was titled "Directory of Students and Faculty," but resumed the title of "Red Book" again in 1954/1955. The last titled Red Book was published in 1970/71, seemingly replaced by a telephone directory in subsequent years.

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of Indiana University YMCA student directories, commonly known as "Red Books", from 1892-1971, with a few gaps in issues. In a mission statement called "Object of Associations" in the 1892 handbook, the YMCA states its purpose "to lead [students] to devote their lives to Jesus Christ, not only in distinctively religious callings, but also in secular pursuits." This mission is reflected in the earlier (1892-1925) handbooks where YMCA membership information, meeting times, and tips for new student success are prevalent. In addition, early publications include calendars, railroad timetables, foldout maps of Bloomington and advertisements for local businesses.

Around 1915 the Red Book's mission began to lose its religious tone and centered more on "better acquainting [students] with the institution of which they have become a part." In addition, the student directory became the central part of the book. Beginning as a very small book (less than 5x3 inches), the Red Book started to grow in size in 1935. It was around this time that issues became primarily a student and faculty directory with the exception of the academic calendar, emergency information and a list of religious organizations. Student directory information included student name, local telephone number, class, school, local address and home address.

Acquisition information:
Accessions: 2000/024, 2002/017, 2002/053, 2006/125, 2007/150, 2012/162, 2014/105, 2018/122
Custodial history:

University Archives staff assembled this collection from multiple sources, including its ongoing publication collection and single issues from outside donors. For details, please contact the University Archives staff.

Processing information:

Processed by Kate Duneman.

Completed in December 2018

Arrangement:

This collection consists of a single series of booklets arranged in chronological order with duplicates at the end.

Online content

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

Collection is open for research. Advance notice required.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Collection is in the public domain. For more information, please contact the University Archives staff.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Indiana University YMCA Red Book collection, Collection C330, Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Herman B Wells Library E460
1320 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7000, United States
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
812-855-1127
archives@indiana.edu