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Raines Cohen papers and T-shirts collection
M1259
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Raines Cohen papers and T-shirt collection
Identifier/Call Number: M1259
Physical Description:
9.81 Linear Feet
(3 manuscript boxes; 16 flat boxes)
Physical Description:
1.72 gigabyte(s)
1 3.5" floppy disk, 4 optical discs
Date (inclusive): 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.
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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was given by Raines Cohen to Stanford University, Special Collections in 2001.
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]
[identification of item], Raines Cohen papers and T-shirt collection (M1259). Dept. of Special Collections and University
Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
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.
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Science -- History.
Apple Computer, Inc.
Berkeley Macintosh Users Group
Users group
HyperCard