Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Raines Cohen papers and T-shirt collection
- Dates:
- 1985-2001
- Abstract:
- T-shirts and newsletters from the Berkeley Macintosh Users Group, and related files kept by Raines Cohen about his involvement with early Macintosh computer communities.
- Extent:
- 9.81 Linear Feet (3 manuscript boxes; 16 flat boxes) and 1.72 gigabyte(s) 1 3.5" floppy disk, 4 optical discs
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
-
[identification of item], Raines Cohen papers and T-shirt collection (M1259). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Collection includes the Berkeley Macintosh User Group (BMUG) newsletters in print and on CD-ROM discs, and related files kept by Raines Cohen about his involvement with the group and early Macintosh computer communities. Artifacts include buttons, pins, and t-shirts designed for various User Groups including BMUG and associated groups in the computer industry.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Raines Cohen cofounded the Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (BMUG) in 1986 while enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley as a Geography major. He worked in the newsroom at MacWEEK magazine, and later was Founding Editor of NetProfessional magazine, a trade publication. Beginning in the late 1970s, Macintosh computer user groups formed to troubleshoot and discuss Apple products, and over time became a focal point for education and support. The BMUG offered membership, held meetings, and produced educational materials and newsletters on various aspects of building, operating, and using Macintosh computers and software. The BMUG slogan was, "We're in the business of giving information."
The non-profit was operated by volunteers and provided members with repair services in addition to offering a support call-center, which answered user questions and helped them resolve technical problems with their computers. The BMUG also published a 400+ page biannual newsletter with an accompanying CD-ROM, and occasional publications including, "BMUG on Hypercard" (1988). The BMUG's close association with Apple allowed them to have access to software products before being officially launched, and members were closely linked with the MacWorld Expo meetings. By 1993, BMUG reached its peak with more than 13,000 members ("BMUGgers"), and at one point had satellite groups in Boston and Japan. The role of BMUG and other groups who served the Macintosh computer user community slowly diminished with the advancement of the Internet age, and Apple eventually introducing its own consumer support services. Financial difficulties lead to BMUG eventually dissolving in 1999. [retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Macintosh_Users_Group retrieved March, 2023]
- Acquisition information:
- This collection was given by Raines Cohen to Stanford University, Special Collections in 2001.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-06-26 08:05:43 -0700 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open for research, with the exception of the born-digital materials, which are closed until processed. 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], Raines Cohen papers and T-shirt collection (M1259). 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