Guide to the Eugene N. Salmon papers, 1940-1985 (1950-1980)
Finding aid prepared by Christopher Rockwell
California State University, Sacramento Special Collections & University Archives
The Library
2000 State University Drive East
Sacramento, CA, 95819-6039
916-278-6144
scua@csus.edu
April 2006
Title: Eugene N. Salmon papers
Identifier/Call Number: MSS 1992/04
Contributing Institution:
California State University, Sacramento Special Collections & University Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
3.2 Linear feet
(8 manuscript boxes)
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1950-1980
Date (inclusive): 1940-1985
Abstract: The collection contains papers, correspondence, and teaching aids pertaining to the educational and professional life of Eugene
N. Salmon, Humanities Librarian at California State University, Sacramento.
Language of Materials: Collection materials for Eugene N. Salmon are in English, minus one course taken entirely in French. Some teaching aid materials
for the History of the Book are printed in German and Latin.
creator:
Salmon, Eugene Nathan
Custodial History
Eugene N. Salmon assembled these papers over many years as part of his effort to preserve his teachings of Library Science,
English, and the History of the Book.
Processing Information
Processed by Christopher Rockwell.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item including date], [Folder Title], MSS 1992/04, Eugene N. Salmon papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library, California State University, Sacramento.
Biographical / Historical Note
Eugene Nathan Salmon was a librarian and English professor in Sacramento, California during the 1960s and 70s. A good portion
of his life was spent within academia, both as student and educator. His contributions to the library profession consisted
of a number of scholarly papers and articles, and involvement with the ALA’s Library Technology Project. As a student of English
literature, Eugene Salmon helped develop Sacramento State University’s first course on the History of the Book. As the Head
Humanities Librarian at Sacramento State University, he also helped establish an enormous collection of English literature
and materials--many of which can still be found in the university’s library and archives today.
Eugene Salmon was born in Sacramento on May 2, 1917. His parents were Wallace Salmon and Beatrice Myra Loewe Salmon. Four
years after his birth, the Salmon family moved to New York City where Eugene attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. In 1954,
Eugene attained his Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Denver and, by 1955, he completed his Masters in Library
Science from the same institution. Working only part-time at the University of Denver library, Salmon soon received his first
professional position as Head Circulation Librarian at the University of Oregon in Eugene.
By January 22, 1962, Eugene Salmon joined the American Library Association’s Library Technology Project staff in Chicago as
head of the project’s technical information service. During this time, he managed to also take extra courses at the University
of Chicago Graduate Library School. In September of 1963, Eugene Salmon moved back to Sacramento where he joined the staff
of the California State Library as Head of Technical Services. Shortly thereafter, he received the position of Head Humanities
Reference Librarian at, what was then, Sacramento State College. Over the next two decades, he helped acquire a large assortment
of English literature and poetry for the academic institution–-including an extensive collection on Edith, Osbert, and Sacheverell
Sitwell.
From 1965 through 1970, Eugene Salmon pursued his Master’s Degree in English at the Sacramento State College. In 1965 he co-taught
a course alongside Perry D. Morrison at the college entitled History of the Book. In the 1970s, he taught additional courses
in library science and management at the American River College and Sacramento City College. Eugene Salmon retired in 1982.
He passed away on March 2, 1995.
Scope and Contents
The following collection includes personal letters, bibliographies, reports, essays, teaching aids, photographs, newsletters,
and clippings collected by Eugene N. Salmon during his lifetime as a librarian. Originally eleven cartons (13.75 linear feet)
worth of material, the content has been weeded and organized to best reflect the scholarly and professional work of Eugene
Salmon.
There are three main series pertaining to the Eugene N. Salmon papers. First, his life as a student is represented through
several of his own papers, reports, scholarships, grades, correspondence and ephemera. Second, his work as a librarian is
tracked by applications, interviews, personnel information, correspondence, papers, bulletins, notes for articles / lectures,
reviews / ideas, letters of support, conferences / seminars, extra-professional activities, collections and ephemera. Finally,
his work as a professor of librarianship and literature is demonstrated through his collection of personnel information, schedules,
tests, class exercises, readings, student papers, notes and teaching aids.
In particular, this collection derives from Salmon’s office files which focus heavily on the instructional aids and resources
pertaining to the History of the Book. This sub-series also features class proposals, syllabi, tests, readings and Salmon’s
personal notes.
Accrual Information
No additions are expected.
Publication Rights
Copyright is protected by the copyright law, Chapter 17 of the U.S. Code. Requests for permission to publish, quote, or reproduce
from collections must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Department of Special Collections and University Archives.
Permission for publication is given on the behalf of the Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library,
California State University, Sacramento as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include permission of the
copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
Access
Collection is open for research. Some restrictions may apply.
Acquisition Information
The Eugene N. Salmon papers were given to the CSUS Special Collections and University Archives by Eugene Salmon in the summer
of 1993.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Salmon, Eugene Nathan
Salmon, Eugene Nathan
Sitwell, Edith, Dame, 1887-1964
Sitwell, Osbert, 1892-1969
Sitwell, Sacheverell, 1897-1988
English literature
English poetry
History of the book
Librarians--California.
Series 1: Education,
1950-1970.
Arrangement note
Education, 1950-1970. (Boxes 1-2; Box 3, folders 1-4) This series contains scholarly papers and reports on poetry, English
literature, and librarianship throughout Salmon’s life as a student. The arrangement is organized by type of material, and
in chronological order whenever possible. It is divided into the following sub-series, with folder contents listed on the
subsequent pages: Sub Series 1: Bachelor of Arts, English, University of Denver, 1950-54; Sub Series 2: Master’s in Library
Science, University of Denver School of Librarianship, 1954-1955; Sub Series 3: University of Chicago Graduate Library School,
1962-1963; Sub Series 4: Master of Arts, English, Sacramento State University, 1965-70; and Sub Series 5: Miscellaneous, 1952-1971.
* An early photograph of Eugene Salmon is currently included within the folder “Scholarships” located in sub-series 5, but
may eventually be transferred to the UARC photo collection.
Subseries 1: Bachelor of Arts, English, University of Denver,
1950-1954.
Box 1, Folder 1
Comparative Literature of the 17th Century,
1953.
Box 1, Folder 2
Comparative Literature of the 18th Century,
1953.
Box 1, Folder 3
Elementary Education,
1953.
Box 1, Folder 4
Literary Criticism and Book Reviewing,
1953.
Subseries 2: Master's in Library Science, University of Denver School of Librarianship,
1954-1955.
Box 1, Folder 6
Cataloging and Classification,
1954.
Box 1, Folder 7
The Library Administrator and the Paraprofessional I,
1954.
Box 1, Folder 8
Advanced Cataloging,
1955.
Box 1, Folder 10
College and University Libraries,
1955.
Box 1, Folder 11
The Librarian's Reading,
1955.
Box 1, Folder 12
Library Administration (Public),
1955.
Box 1, Folder 13
Literature of the Subject Fields,
1955.
Box 1, Folder 14
Research Methods in Librarianship,
1955.
Box 1, Folder 15
Studies in Librarianship,
1955.
Subseries 3: University of Chicago Graduate Library School,
1962-1963.
Box 1, Folder 16
History of the Public Diffusion of Knowledge and Ideas,
1962.
Box 2, Folder 1
Organizational Theory,
1963.
Subseries 4: Master of Arts, English, Sacramento State University,
1965-1970.
Box 2, Folder 2
The Junior College,
1965.
Box 2, Folder 3
American Literature Since 1920,
1966.
Box 2, Folder 4
Seminar in Chaucer,
1967.
Box 2, Folder 5
The Tragic Mode in Literature,
1967.
Box 2, Folder 6
Seminar in Literary Criticism,
1969.
Box 2, Folder 7
Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama,
1970.
Box 2, Folder 9
Seminar in American Folklore,
1970.
Box 2, Folder 11
Humanities Reference,
1971.
Subseries 5: Miscellaneous,
1952-1971.
Box 3, Folder 3
Correspondence,
1952-1967.
Series 2: Professional / Library,
1953-1978.
Arrangement note
Professional / Library, 1950-1982. (Box 3, folders 5-13; Boxes 4-5; Box 6, folders 1-9) This series contains materials related
to Eugene Salmon’s professional library career. It features applications, personnel information, correspondence, notes, collections,
and extra-professional activities. The arrangement is organized by type of material, and in chronological order whenever possible.
It is divided into the following sub-series, with folder contents listed on the subsequent pages: Sub Series 1: University
of Oregon, Eugene, 1953-1963; Sub Series 2: ALA, Library Technology Project, 1961-1964; Sub Series 3: The California State
Library, 1961-1964; Sub Series 4: Sacramento State Library, 1963-1981; Sub Series 5: The Sitwell Materials, 1931-1978; and
Sub Series 6: Miscellaneous, 1955-1961.
* Sub Series 5, The Sitwell Materials, is a collection of ephemera purchased by Mr. Salmon in 1971 in support of the academic
program at Sacramento. The materials include CSUS purchase information, writings, manuscripts, original letters, photographs,
articles and reviews, pamphlets, booklists, and miscellaneous items pertaining to Dame Edith, Sir Osbert, and Sacheverell
Sitwell.
Subseries 1: University of Oregon, Eugene,
1953-1963.
Box 3, Folder 5
Applications, Interviews and Orientation,
1953-1955.
Box 3, Folder 6
Personnel Information,
1956-1963.
Box 3, Folder 7
Correspondence,
1962-1963.
Box 3, Folder 8
Notes for Articles / Lectures,
1955-1959.
Box 3, Folder 9
Clerical Aptitude in Library Employment,
1956-1961.
Box 3, Folder 11
Extra-professional Activities,
1960-1961.
Subseries 2: APA, Library Technology Project,
1961-1964.
Box 3, Folder 12
Applications, Interviews and Orientation,
1961-1962.
Box 3, Folder 13
Personnel Information,
n.d.
Box 4, Folder 1
Correspondence,
1961-1963.
Box 4, Folder 2
Reviews, Ideas and Suggestions,
1963-1964.
Box 4, Folder 3
Meetings, Conferences and Seminars,
circa 1963.
Box 4, Folder 5
Written Papers,
circa 1963.
Subseries 3: The California State Library,
1961-1964.
Box 4, Folder 7
Applications, Interviews and Orientation,
1961-1963.
Box 4, Folder 8
Correspondence,
1961-1964.
Box 4, Folder 9
Meetings, Conferences and Seminars,
circa 1963.
Subseries 4: Sacramento State Library,
1963-1980.
Box 4, Folder 11
Correspondence,
1963-1980.
Box 5, Folder 1
Meetings, Conferences and Seminars,
1965-1981.
Box 5, Folder 2
Extra-professional Activities,
circa 1965.
Box 5, Folder 3
Radio Interview,
circa 1964.
Box 5, Folder 4
Reviews, Ideas and Suggestions,
1965-1982.
Box 5, Folder 6
Letters of Introduction / Support,
n.d.
Box 5, Folder 7
Job Promotion / Reclassification Request,
1971-1974.
Box 5, Folder 8
Personal Notes,
1979-1981.
Subseries 5: The Sitwell Materials,
1928-1978.
Box 5, Folder 10
CSUS Purchase Information,
1971.
Box 6, Folder 5
Articles and Reviews
1925-1969.
Subseries 6: Miscellaneous,
1955-1961.
Box 6, Folder 9
Job Application Information for Positions Not Taken,
1955-1961.
Series 3: Teaching,
1965-1978.
Arrangement note
Teaching, 1965-1978. (Box 6, folders 10-20; and Box 8) This series contains materials related to Eugene Salmon’s teaching
career. It features syllabi, tests, class exercises, student papers, and teaching aids. The arrangement is organized by type
of material, and in chronological order whenever possible. It is divided into the following sub-series, with folder contents
listed on the subsequent pages: Sub Series 1: American River College, Introduction to the Library, 1973-1976; Sub Series 2:
American River College, Library Public Services, 1974-1978; Sub Series 3: American River College, Library Technical Processes,
1975-1978; Sub Series 4: Sacramento City College, Introduction to the Library, 1970-1976; Sub Series 5: Sacramento State University,
History of the Book, 1965-1973; and Sub Series 6: Miscellaneous.
Subseries 1: American River College, Introduction to the Library,
1973-1976.
Box 6, Folder 10
Personnel Information,
circa 1975.
Box 6, Folder 11
Course Syllabus / Schedules,
1974-1976.
Box 6, Folder 12
Tests and Examinations / Keys,
1975-1976.
Box 6, Folder 14
Readings / Bibliographies,
n.d.
Box 6, Folder 15
Questionnaires / Checksheets,
circa 1973.
Subseries 2: American River College, Library Public Services,
1974-1978.
Box 6, Folder 17
Personnel Information,
circa 1976.
Box 6, Folder 18
Course Syllabus / Schedules,
1974-1976.
Box 6, Folder 19
Tests and Examinations / Keys,
1974-1976.
Box 6, Folder 20
Questionnaires / Checksheets,
circa 1974.
Box 7, Folder 2
Correspondence,
1974-1976.
Subseries 3: American River College, Library Technical Processes,
1975-1978.
Box 7, Folder 3
Personnel Information,
1976-1978.
Box 7, Folder 4
Course Syllabus / Schedules,
1975-1978.
Box 7, Folder 5
Tests and Examinations / Keys,
1975-1978.
Box 7, Folder 6
Readings / Bibliographies,
n.d.
Box 7, Folder 7
Questionnaires / Checksheets,
1975-1978.
Subseries 4: Sacramento City College, Introduction to the Library,
1970-1976.
Box 7, Folder 9
Personnel Information,
circa 1972.
Box 7, Folder 10
Course Syllabus / Schedules,
1972-1973.
Box 7, Folder 11
Tests and Examinations / Keys,
circa 1970.
Box 7, Folder 12
Class Excercises,
circa 1974.
Box 7, Folder 13
Readings / Bibliographies,
n.d.
Box 7, Folder 14
Questionnaires / Checksheets,
1972-1973.
Box 7, Folder 16
Correspondence,
1972-1976.
Box 7, Folder 17
Student Papers,
circa 1973.
Subseries 5: Sacramento State University, History of the Book,
1965-1973.
Box 7, Folder 18
Class Proposals,
circa 1973.
Box 7, Folder 19
Course Syllabus / Schedules,
circa 1965.
Box 7, Folder 20
Tests and Examinations / Keys,
1960-1965.
Box 7, Folder 21
Readings / Bibliographies,
circa 1973.
Box 8, Folder 2
Invention of Writing,
n.d.
Box 8, Folder 8
Rare Books / Incunabula
n.d.
Box 8, Folder 11
Signs and Signatures,
n.d.
Box 8, Folder 18
Roger Levinson Presentation,
n.d.
Subseries 6: Miscellaneous,
circa 1960s and 1970s.
Box 8, Folder 20
Biographical Material,
circa 1964.