Mitchell Ginsberg papers, 1961-1984

Collection context

Creator:
Ginsberg, Mitchell I.
Abstract:
Office Files of social worker, professor and Dean of Columbia University School of Social Work, Mitchell Ginsberg.
Extent:
1.67 linear feet 4 document boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The collection is comprised of professional papers related to Ginsberg's work with the Columbia University School of Social Work and as an advocate for families and children. The collection includes speeches and addresses, including Mitchell's testimony before legislatures on a number issues, and subject files relating to family welfare concerns.

Biographical / historical:

Mitchell Ginsberg was a social worker, and an educator and scholar in the field of social work and social justice. He was a professor and Dean at the Columbia University School of Social Work and a past president of the National Conference on Social Welfare and the National Association of Social Workers.

Ginsberg was born in 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts and attended Tufts University where he received a B.S. in 1937 and an M.A. in education and psychology in 1938. He was awarded the M.S. in social work from Columbia University's School of Social Work in 1941.

After completing his education Ginsberg worked as a social worker for the U.S. Army and then as a case worker in Manchester, New Hampshire; Boston; and New York City before returning to Columbia in 1953 to join the faculty of the school of Social Work.

He took a leave of absence from teaching in 1966 to become Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services under Mayor John Lindsay. In 1968, he became Human Resources Administrator, a position responsible for all of New York's social welfare programs.

He returned to Columbia in 1971 as dean of the School of Social Work. He helped to found Columbia Community Services and served as the director for Columbia's Center for the Study of Human Rights. In addition to his academic leadership, he continued his civil service career, serving as the chairman of the city-wide Emergency Alliance for Homeless Families and Children.

Ginsberg was designated Professor and Dean Emeritus of the School of Social Work in 1986, and died of cardiopulmonary arrest in 1990.

Access and use

Restrictions:

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:

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); Mitchell Ginsberg Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

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:
rbml@library.columbia.edu