Department of Sociology records, 1910s-1998

Collection context

Creator:
Columbia University. Department of Sociology
Extent:
2.58 linear feet 1 record carton and 2 index card boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection consists of the administrative records of the Department of Sociology such as departmental meeting minutes and correspondence. Included are a number of publications from Paul Felix Lazarsfeld's interest in quantifying methodologies for social research. There are also two boxes of index cards kept by department with information about former graduate students.

Biographical / historical:

In 1894 Franklin H. Giddings became the first professor of sociology at Columbia University. The department grew in scope and depth in between World Wars with Robert S. Lynd (1931-1942) and Robert MacIver (1929-1950). In 1941 both Robert Merton and Paul Lazarsfeld joined the department and their collaboration extended into the 1970s. They helped the department play a leading role in the national growth of sociology and the other social sciences after World War II.

Access and use

Restrictions:

All administrative records of the University are restricted for 25 years from the date of creation.

The following box is located off-site: Box 1. 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.

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); Department of Sociology Records; Box and Folder (if known); University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Location of this collection:
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