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Finding Aid for the California Social Welfare Archives records
0412
0412
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Table of contents
Title: California Social Welfare Archives records
Collection number: 0412
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
5.0 Linear feet
5 boxes
Date: 1979 -
Abstract: The records of the California Social Welfare Archives include letters, fundraising documents, event planning materials and
programs, and other materials relevant to the organization and functioning of the Archives as an organization. The initial
collection covers the period from the CSWA's foundation in 1979 as the California Social Welfare Heritage through the beginning
of the 21st century.
creator:
California Social Welfare Archives
Property rights reside with the California Social Welfare Archives. Some literary rights may be retained by the creators of
the records or their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and
Archives.
The material was acquired from University of Southern California Professor Emerita Frances Lomas Feldman, the files of retired
USC School of Social Work Librarian, Ruth Britton, and miscellaneous files maintained by subsequent School of Social Work
librarians.
The records of the California Social Welfare Archives were gathered from three divergent sources and were processed in different
locations. As a result there is some redundancy in the holdings and some inconsistency in the series and subseries descriptions.
Subsequent papers are projected to come into the Archives according to a records retention schedule.
[Box/folder# or item name], California Social Welfare Archive records, Collection no. 0412, Special Collections, USC Libraries,
University of Southern California
The California Social Welfare Archives was begun as the California Social Welfare Heritage, dedicated to "the orderly collection
and preservation of papers and documents of historical significance in the development of social welfare in California." Originated
by George D. Nickel, of Arcadia California, in 1979, and led by Nickel and James Leiby, professor of social welfare at UC
Berkeley, the organization's original concept was to divide the collection between the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley and
the Arlien Johnson Library at USC. Nickel became the first president of the southern unit, while Leiby was responsible for
northern matters.
The organization experienced logistical problems because of the size of the state. Regional interests and loyalties were also
a problem. Further, the Bancroft Library declined involvement, on the basis of their over-commitment to other projects. Leiby,
the chief person in the north, found it difficult under these circumstances to keep the interest of volunteers in the project.
The northern group ultimately disbanded.
The southern group began reorganizing itself to operate independently in 1985, under the leadership of George D. Nickel. At
the suggestion of the dean of USC Libraries, the name of the southern group was changed to California Social Welfare Archives
(CSWA). Initial attempts were made to gain funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, but these were frustrated,
first by the State Archivist, who feared that the CSWA was claiming the right to collect state agency materials, and then
by a general moratorium on funding for new projects. The organization instead moved under the organizational umbrella of the
University of Southern California, in part to take advantage of its tax-free status.
By 1988, a new set of by-laws was in place for the CSWA. In 1994 the mission statement was revised and adopted by the board
of directors.
Scope and Content of Collection
The records of the California Social Welfare Archives include letters, fundraising documents, event planning and programs,
and other materials relevant to the organization and functioning of the Archives as an organization. The initial collection
covers the period from the CSWA's foundation in 1979 as the California Social Welfare Heritage through the beginning of the
21st century. Additions will be made to update the collection from time to time.
The collection includes particularly good coverage of the foundation of the CSWA, Board of Directors meetings, and events
and records from the early 1990's.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California Social Welfare Archives -- Archives
University of Southern California. School of Social Work. -- Archives
California--History
Correspondence
Programs
Social service--California--Archival resources
Social workers--California--Archival resources