Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Project Files, University of Virginia Library Special Collections Building, Accession #RG-12/1/7.991, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This collection was an archival transfer from Edmund Berkeley, January 26, 1999.

Scope and Content

Records (ca. 5000 items) accumulated by Edmund Berkeley, Jr., de facto coordinator of the University of Virginia's interest in and efforts to construct a special collections library building. The records contain justification statements including one by consultant Ellsworth Mason, recommendations, fund raising materials, architect's presentation materials, correspondence, and files on special collections buildings elsewhere dating from 1938, equipment, preliminary blueprints, site plans, and a study on the feasibility of a Special Collections wing on Alderman Library. With them are the files of former University Librarian, Ray W. Frantz, Jr. regarding the project.

Of interest are photographs of Governor James S. Gilmore, III's trip to Alderman Library to discuss the release of state funds for the Mary and David Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture and Albert H. Small Special Collections Library building. Gilmore is photographed with University President John Casteen, University Librarian Karin Wittenborg, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Leonard Sandridge.