Collection ID: LCP2007/02
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Collection context

Summary

Abstract:
J. Gus Liebenow was a professor emeritus of political science at Indiana University. Starting his tenure in 1958, Liebenow also served as the dean for Research and Advanced Studies as well as vice president and dean of Academic Affairs. In 1961, he also found the University's African Studies Program. This collections consists of lecture notes, personal files, department records, Liebenow's writings, and materials from numerous organizations he was affiliated with.
Extent:
18 cubic feet (18 records cartons)
Language:
Materials are primarily in English
Preferred citation:

[item], J. Gus Liebenow Collection, Bloomington, IN: Liberian Collections,Indiana University Libraries, 2010

Background

Biographical / Historical:

J. Gus Liebenow joined the faculty of Indiana University in 1958 and founded the university's African Studies Program in 1961, which he directed for 11 years. He also served as dean for research and advanced studies as well as vice president and dean for academic affairs on the Bloomington campus.

In 1987, he was named Rudy Professor by the university trustees, who award the title for excellence. He retired in 1990. An expert on Liberia, Professor Liebenow testified on developments in the republic before several Congressional committees in the 1970s and 1980s. On retirement, he received the first Lifetime Achievement Award of the Liberian Studies Association, a group of scholars from around the world.

He was a prolific writer on African politics, education, history, agriculture and urbanization. Among his numerous books are "Liberia: The Evolution of Privilege" (Cornell University Press, 1969 ), "Liberia: The Quest for Democracy" (Indiana University Press, 1987) and "African Politics: Crises and Challenges" (Indiana University Press, 1986). Professor Liebenow was born in Berwyn, Ill. He graduated from the University of Illinois , where he received a master's degree in 1950. After being a Goodwin Fellow at Harvard University in 1951-1952, he earned a Ph.D. in political science at Northwestern University in 1955.

Scope and Content:

The J. Gus Liebenow Collection consists of 15 linear feet of documents spanning the years from 1949-1999. As much as possible the organization and folder titles reflect Liebenow's personal naming convention. This collection is divided into 6 series:

  1. Indiana University
  2. Outside Organizations
  3. Personal Files
  4. Subject Files
  5. Writings
  6. Restricted Files

The Indiana University series consists of papers for both the Political Science and African Studies departments, including committees, programs, course syllabi, interdepartmental correspondence, and meeting minutes. Also included in this series are Liebenow'slecture notes for various classes he taught, and materials from other university organizations.

The Outside Organizations series consists of materials from numerous organizations and conferences Liebenow was affiliated with. These include the African Studies Association , Friends of Liberia, Liberian Studies Association, Universities Field Staff International, and the South African Development Coordination Conference, as well as materials from other universities.

The Personal Files series contains records on former students, colleagues, friends, and co-workers. These include correspondence, newspaper clippings, dissertation drafts, and manuscripts.

The Subject Filesseries contains photographs, ephemera and memorabilia, and other materials that don't easily fall into another series.

The Writings series contains conference papers submitted by Liebenow, as well as his drafts and copies of his published materials. Correspondence with various publishing houses are also found in this series.

The Restricted Files series conatins personal files that are not open for research.

Custodial history:

Copyright interests for this collection have been transferred to the Trustees of Indiana University. For more information, contact the Indiana University Liberian Collections

Processing information:

Processed by Bergis Jules, Megan MacDonald and Jessica Lynn

Completed in 2010.

Arrangement:

The J. Gus Liebenow Collection is divided into 6 series: Indiana University, Outside Organizations, Personal Files, Subject Files, Writings, and Restricted Materials

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

Open for research. One box of personal records is restricted.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

All research at the Liberian Collections Project is by appointment only.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[item], J. Gus Liebenow Collection, Bloomington, IN: Liberian Collections,Indiana University Libraries, 2010

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Herman B Wells Library
1320 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
BEFORE YOU VISIT:
Processed Liberian Collections are open to researchers with advance notice. However, the African Studies Librarian position is currently vacant and because of this, reference and research support is limited.
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
afstlib@indiana.edu