Helen E. Wessells papers, 1921-1978
Collection context
- Creator:
- Wessells, Helen E (Helen Elizabeth), 1903-
- Extent:
- 4.59 linear feet 11 document boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, manuscripts, documents, subject files, photographs and memorabilia. There is correspondence with Australian librarians, government officials, and U.S. information services officers; manuscripts of her articles, addresses, reports and procedural manuals; Australian library publications and other printed materails. In addition there are some general correspondence files and a few files relating to Wessells' career in the United States, including the New York Public Library, the Victory Book Campaign (1943), the American Library Association and its International Relations Round Table. The cataloged correspondence consists of one letter each from Louis Adamic, Pearl S. Buck, Henry Seidel Canby, Marion Ponsonby Gause Canby, and Daniel A. Poling.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Librarian (Columbia School of Library Service, 1926); Librarian at NYPL Port Richmond branc, 1929-1941; information consultant and cultural officer in Australia for the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II, 1943-1947; and a director of Asian libraries for the U.S. Information Service, 1948-1951. Wessells was one of a number of librarians whose mission was to foster domestic understanding for America's war effort in allied and neutral nations. She contributed to library development in Australia and later was a planner and spokesperson for the American model of library service in Asia.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The following boxes are located offsite: 2-11. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Helen E. Wessells papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu