Bernard Barber papers, 1938-1988
Collection context
- Creator:
- Barber, Bernard
- Abstract:
- Bernard Barber (1918-2006) was a Professor of Sociology at Barnard College for over 35 years, from 1952 until his retirement. He wrote several books, many articles, and was a pioneer in the sociology of science and the theory of social structure.
- Extent:
- 27 linear feet (59 manuscript boxes)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, conference papers and notes, lectures, Barnard College administrative records, book review manuscripts, financial records for his research grants, book manuscripts, and his college notes. Correspondence with sociologists and other professional colleagues concerning his writing, teaching, and Barnard College administrative affairs, and with his friends. Major correspondents include Daniel Bell, Robert K. Merton, David Riesman, George Sarton, and Talcott Williams. There are also letters from Harry Elmer Barnes, Richard Hofstadter, Edward Kennedy, Margaret Mead, Ashley Montagu, and C.P. Snow.
Series 4: 1979-1988. These materials were added to the papers in 1988. This series consists of five categories pertaining to the professional career of Bernard Barber. The correspondence series contains a general chronological file, as well as alphabetical sets by correspondents and by topics. It also contains correspondence regarding Barber's books, which include SCIENCE AND THE SOCIAL ORDER (1953) and SOCIAL STRATIFICATION (1957). The Professional Activities category contains a wide range of files on Barber's work outside Columbia University, including service on various federal and private committees, such as the Drug Research Board of the National Science Council and the Human Subjects Review Committee, as well as his membership in a multitude of professional organizations, including the American Sociological Association, whose Ethics Committee he chaired from 1960-1976. The Manuscripts file contains published articles and typed drafts of articles for various sociological journals as well as several book reviews. The Research file contains Barber's scholarly work, including an extensive study of the practice of informed consent. The Teaching section contains material from Barber's career as a faculty member at Barnard College, Columbia University.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Bernard Barber (1918-2006) was a Professor of Sociology at Barnard College for over 35 years, from 1952 until his retirement. He wrote several books, many articles, and was a pioneer in the sociology of science and the theory of social structure.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The following boxes are located off-site: 2-59. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days 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); Bernard Barber papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- 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