Collection ID: LMC 1011
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Alexander, William Albert, 1875-1943
Abstract:
The Alexander mss., 1895-1943, consists of the letters and papers of Indiana University librarian William Albert Alexander, 1875-1943.
Extent:
2 Boxes (2 standard)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Alexander mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

William Albert Alexander, 1875-1943, began working as an assistant in charge of the reference department at the Indiana University Library in 1897. He earned his B.A. from IU in 1901. In 1921, he was appointed librarian and director of the Indiana University Million Dollar Fund. As director of the fund, he helped raise money for the construction of the Memorial Union, a women's dorm, and the stadium. Alexander served as librarian until 1942. During this time, he also wrote an unpublished typescript titled "History of the Indiana University Library, January 20, 1820 to February 22, 1937." Alexander died in Bloomington in 1943.

Scope and Content:

The Alexander mss., 1895-1943, consists of the letters and papers of William Albert Alexander, 1875-1943, librarian of the Indiana University Library, 1921-1942.

In addition to letters and papers relating to the history and operation of the Library and to the work of University committees of which Alexander was a member, the collection includes correspondence with Hoosiers and literary and political figures. This correspondence relates chiefly to obtaining autographed books and photographs for the Library.

Correspondents represented in the collection include: George Ade, Raymond Earl Baldwin, Ralph L. Carr, Frank Linden Crone, Hamlin Garland, Charles Abraham Halleck, Don Herold, Edwin Conger Hill, Kin Hubbard, Chic Jackson, David Starr Jordan, Gerald Wayne Landis, Stephen Butler Leacock, Lloyd Lewis, Louis Leon Ludlow, George Barr McCutcheon, John Tinney McCutcheon, Paul Vories McNutt, Sherman Minton, Meredith Nicholson, Drew Pearson, Ernie Pyle, Joseph Swain, Frederick Van Nuys, Raymond Eugene Willis, and Alverta (White) Matthew.

Included also in the collection is Charles Abraham Halleck's speech placing the name of Wendell Lewis Willkie in nomination for president of the United States at the 1940 Republican national convention, speeches seconding that nomination, and speeches at the notification of Willkie of his nomination at Elwood, Indiana, August 17, 1940.

Acquisition information:
Transfer: 1994
Arrangement:

The collection is filed alphabetically by subjects and correspondents.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Alexander mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@iu.edu