Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Samuel Stark Index of American Theater
- Dates:
- 1752-1990
- Abstract:
- Cards making up the "Stark Index" kept by American theatre expert Samuel Stark in reference to specific publications, scrapbooks, files, and news articles in his collection.
- Extent:
- 42.5 Linear Feet (34 cartons, originally housed in 92 card catalog drawers. Approx. 100,000 cards)
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], Samuel Stark American theatre card file (M0602). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Expert on American theater, the "Stark Index" was Stark's means of amassing data from all sources. Some references on the file cards refer to publications including journals and news articles, some refer to specific scrapbooks that Stark, himself, assembled and then gave to the library. The original goal of the file was to compile an encyclopedia of American theater; in the end the maintenance and building of the file became an end in itself.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Authority on history of the theatre, particularly American theatre, and collector of theatre material, including photos, autographs, clippings, etc.
- Acquisition information:
- This collection was given to Stanford University, Special Collections by Samuel Stark in 1964 and by his estate in 1992.
- Arrangement:
-
Stark's original arrangement of the cards is maintained. Each drawer of the cabinet was moved into one card box; four card boxes are in each carton. Each series represents a different index kept by Stark.
- Physical location:
- Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Theater.
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-03-01 15:23:07 -0800 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
- Terms of access:
-
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], Samuel Stark American theatre card file (M0602). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
- Location of this collection:
-
Department of Special Collections, Green Library557 Escondido MallStanford, CA 94305-6004, US
- Contact:
- (650) 725-1022