The collection is comprised primarily of Mr. Cole's notes on a variety of tasks performed as the librarian of the Huntington Library. Mr. Cole's notes include lists of the library's holdings and provide an understanding of the way the Huntington pursued acquisitions in the early years of the institution.

George Watson Cole (1850-1939) was the first librarian of the Huntington Library, from 1915 until his retirement in 1924. In 1915, the Henry E. Huntington Library was formally established in New York City, and in 1920 the collection was moved to its current location in San Marino, California. George Watson Cole was asked to help in the library's organization and staffing, and to become its first librarian and bibliographer, coming out of retirement to take the position at the age of 65. Before he retired Mr. Cole wrote a lengthy report in which he described the Library collections as they had been in 1915, the acquisitions made between 1915 and 1924, and the holdings as they were in 1924. Mr. Cole is well known for his writings on bibliography and libraries, and for his expertise in rare books and manuscripts.

.83 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

In order to quote from, publish, or reproduce any of the manuscripts or visual materials, researchers must obtain formal permission from the office of the Library Director. In most instances, permission is given by the Huntington as owner of the physical property rights only, and researchers must also obtain permission from the holder of the literary rights. In some instances, the Huntington owns the literary rights, as well as the physical property rights. Researchers may contact the appropriate curator for further information.

Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, please go to the following web site.