Carol H. Meyer papers, 1954-1995

Creator:
Meyer, Carol H., 1924-
Abstract:
Dr. Carol H. Meyer taught clinical and advanced social work practice in the School of Social Work (1962-1995). The papers consist primarily of her teaching files, but also include correspondence, papers, speeches, and material related to her research and projects.
Extent:
6.72 linear feet 16 document boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Meyer's papers consist primarily of teaching files from her work at the Columbia University School of Social Work, but also include correspondence, papers, speeches, and material related to research and outside projects.

Meyer's teaching files include material related to both her own courses and the general curriculum in the School of Social Work, particularly in areas related to the social work practice sequence of courses and doctoral examinations for practice work. Her teaching files not only include her own course materials, but often also include bibliographies, course outlines, and reading lists from other professors. Meyer also kept readings and notes on subjects related to course topics filed with her teaching files. Meyer's early teaching career is not well documented in her papers; most of her files appear related to courses taught between 1976-1995. There is also no documentation of Meyer's work in the larger university community.

Meyer's papers do not extensively document her research work. The collection includes one folder of various reprints and editorials (1959-1994). In addition, there is documentation related to two other projects; "The Homeless Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill" (1989) and" Assessment in Social Work Practice" (1993).

The papers do contain material related to Meyer's work within the social work profession. Meyer was involved in outside consulting, speaking engagements, task forces, and training, and her papers include files on many of these activities. There is no coverage of her educational or professional activities prior to 1959.

The papers do not contain any material related to Meyer's personal life or interests.

Biographical / historical:

Carol H. Meyer, a native of Brooklyn, was born on March 18, 1924 in New York City. Meyer received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1946 and a Master's degree in Social Work from the New York School of Social Work later the Columbia School of Social Work in 1949. She received the first Ph.D. in casework awarded by the Columbia School of Social Work in 1957.

Meyer began her career in social work as a group worker at Greenwich House in New York City. While completing her education, Meyer gained experience as a group worker, case worker, and supervisor. She also taught at the New York University School of Social Work from 1956-1959, and then served as an assistant to the New York City Welfare Commissioner as Director of Training from 1959-1962. Meyer joined Columbia University as an Associate Professor in 1962, and taught clinical and advanced social work practice. She was granted tenure in 1965, and became a full professor in 1966. She remained at the University for the rest of her career.

Meyer was an authority on child and family welfare and mental health. Her work also dealt with the eco-system perspective, or the concept that a range of factors should be considered in the creation or assessment of a social service or treatment plan. Meyer was also considered a leader in national social work education; she served on the educational board of the British Journal of Social Work and on the board of the Council on Social Work Education.

Meyer's work was widely published in professional journals on child welfare casework, psychiatric and family practice, foster care, women, and social work. She also lectured throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. She published five books: Staff Development in Public Welfare Agencies (1966), Social Work Practice: A Response to the Crisis (1970), Clinical Social Work in the Eco-Systems Perspective (1983), Social Work with the Aging (1986), and Assessment in Social Work Practice (1993). She also served as an editor for other book projects and as the editor in chief of Affilia: Journal of Women in Social Work in the early 1990s.

Meyer died of cancer on December 2, 1996, in New York City. She was survived by two sisters and a brother.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Meyer's Master's essay and dissertation are separately cataloged and made available through the University Archives

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material 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. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the Curator of Manuscripts and University Archivist, Rare Book and Manuscript Library (RBML). The RBML approves permission to publish that which it physically owns; the responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

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); Carol H. Meyer Papers, Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
University Archives Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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:
uarchives@columbia.edu