Bernard Barber papers, 1938-1988

Summary Information

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.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in four series.

• Series I. Cataloged Correspondence
• Series II. Uncataloged Correspondence, 1941-1979
• Series III. Uncataloged Manuscripts and Notes--A-Z
• Series IV. Addition, 1979-1988
• Subseries IV.1. Uncataloged Correspondence
• Subseries IV.2. Professional Activities
• Subseries IV.3. Manuscripts
• Subseries IV.4. Research Files
• Subseries IV.5. Teaching

Description

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.

• Series I. Cataloged Correspondence

• Series II. Uncataloged Correspondence, 1941-1979

• Series III. Uncataloged Manuscripts and Notes--A-Z

• Series IV. Addition, 1979-1988

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

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 Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Barber, Bernard. Method of acquisition--Gift, 1983;1988; Date of acquisition--1983. Accession number--M83.

Gift of Professor Barber, 1983; 1988.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 03/27/89.

Collection is processed to folder level.

Revision Description

2009-06-26 File created.

2012-02-13 XML document instance created by Catherine C. Ricciardi

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

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Subject

History / Biographical Note

History

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.