Ask a Librarian

Reference Files

Collection Summary

Dates: 1970s-2000s
Identification: REF
Quantity: 30 linear feet (9 file drawers)

Scope and Contents Note

The Reference Files of the Historical Research Center is a collection of materials compiled by archivists. The collection deals with items of historical note regarding the history of medicine in Houston, in Texas or related to the Texas Medical Center. The Reference Files house materials that are of interest but may not warrant a named archival collection because the materials may consist of copies, lack adequate provenance, or simply not be rich enough in detail. However, the Reference Files provide insight and helpful historical information to researchers. The files include news stories, articles and scholarly papers written by journalists, scholars, and historians who used McGovern Historical Center materials for research. The material deals with all aspects of the history of medicine in Texas. The files, also contain information on institutions, leaders in the medical community, Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission files, Houston medical history, and items related to the foundation of medicine in the Houston area. Formats include newspaper clippings, magazine articles, pamphlets, and papers. Languages are predominately English with some Japanese.


Organization/Arrangement

Files are arranged in alphabetical order. Note: Folders are filed with family name first. For the most part, Asian names, particularly Japanese names, are shown with the family name in all capital letters. This is a standard method for denoting non-Western family names. Family names in all capital letters help Westerners who are unfamiliar with Japanese or Chinese spellings to determine the family name of an individual.


Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Open for research

Use Restrictions

Most of the collection is open for research, copyright restrictions may apply.


Administrative Information

Custodial History

The Reference File collection began in the 1970s.

Preferred Citation

Specific citations should be based on individual items.

Processing Information

The original creation date for this inventory is February 4, 2014. This document is regularly revised as new items are added.

Additions

New items are added to the collection continuously.