Description
The Lester L. Libby papers consist of files created and maintained by Lester Louis Libby (1916-2002) pertaining to his work
in the technical field of sound engineering and the application of microwave frequency technologies in various industries
including radio, television, and early electronics from the 1930s to the 1970s. Materials include Libby's resarch notebooks,
work papers, diagrams and schematics, articles he authored, and patents received.
Background
Lester Louis Libby was born at Hartford, Connecticut in 1914. He received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering
from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1935 and 1936, respectively. In 1934, Libby began his career in the radio engineering
field when he became radio transmitter operator at radio station WTAG in Worcester, Massachusetts. Throughout the 1930s, Libby
held positions at companies involved with pioneering research and technological developments in radio communications, including
as a radio-tube design engineer for RCA Radiotron, and at the radio receiving-tube division of Tung-Sol Lamp Works. In 1941,
Libby began working in research development and eventually became Chief Engineer for the Federal Telegraph Company, a company
founded in Palo Alto, California that specialized in developing high-powered transmitters used for long distance radiotelegraph
communication.
Extent
11 Linear Feet
(24 manuscript boxes; 1 map folder; 1 flat box)
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Open for research, with the exception of born-digital materials, which are closed until processed. Note that material must
be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials are not available in original format, and
must be reformatted to a digital use copy.