Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) records, 1965-1992, bulk (bulk 1967-1988)

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Summary

Title:
Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) records
Dates:
1965-1992, bulk (bulk 1967-1988)
Creators:
Bay Area Reference Center
Abstract:
The Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) was part of a four tier reference service network designed to serve a large section of traditionally underserved rural areas of California. BARC covered nine Northern California public library systems and was headquartered at the San Francisco Public Library. Established as an experiment in 1967 by the California State Library, BARC was shut down in 1988 when US Federal funding for the program ceased. This collection contains administrative papers for BARC including meeting minutes, correspondence, and publications. Also included are workshop materials and records for many of BARC's bi-weekly workshops.
Extent:
9 cartons, 2 oversize flat boxes (12.8 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) records SFH 710, San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains administrative papers for the Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) including meeting minutes, correspondence, statistics, and publications. Also included are workshop materials and records for many of BARC's bi-weekly workshops. AV materials begin to be included in a limited number of workshops in Series 2 starting from 1971.

Biographical / historical:

The Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) was part of a four tier reference service network designed to serve a large section of traditionally underserved rural areas of California. BARC covered nine Northern California public library systems and was headquartered at the San Francisco Public Library. It pioneered the use of networking technologies such as teletype and fax machines in providing reference services to patrons at far-flung and rural libraries. BARC published its magazine Synergy from 1967-1971, which won 2 ALA HW Wilson Library Periodical Awards, and was succeeded by BARC Notes from 1971-1988.

Established as an experimental reference service in 1967 by the California State Library, BARC was shut down in 1988 when US Federal funding for the program ceased.

Acquisition information:
Collection was created by the San Francisco Public Library.
Processing information:

During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples remain. Audio and audiovisual materials kept in original plastic cases.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in 3 series. Series 1: Administrative Papers Series 2: Workshops Series 3: Publications

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid composed by Norman Yee.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-12-03 19:28:19 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) records SFH 710, San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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