Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Records, 1915-1980,of the department of economics of the University of Michigan; contain files of chairmen, Isaiah Sharfman, Gardner Ackley, and Warren Smith, including minutes of staff meetings, research materials, and administrative records; also papers collected and interviews conducted by Marjorie Brazer with present and past faculty of the department in connection with its centennial.

The bulk of the Department of Economics records, covering the period 1950-1980, contain files of the chairmen, Isaiah Sharfman, Gardner Ackley, and Warren Smith. Included are executive committee and staff meeting minutes, budgets, faculty appointments, schedules, salaries, and reports on building needs. Additional materials cover the work of various centers and professional organizations.

The University of Michigan committee appointed by president James Duderstadt to facilitate the preservation, promotion, and appreciation of the history and traditions. Material includes oral history interviews with university presidents and their wives, administrative and academic officers, regents and faculty members, as well as administrative records.

The bulk of the History and Traditions Committee records consists of interviews (recordings and transcripts) with University of Michigan presidents, wives of presidents, regents, and administrators. Also included materials pertaining to the University of Michigan history, and administrative records.

The Law School History Oral History Interviews contain transcripts and audio cassette tapes of interviews with University of Michigan Law School faculty discussing their background, education, careers, and the Law School.

This record group consists of three series, Oral History Transcripts, Oral History Audiocassettes, and Oral History Computer Discs. The series contain audiocassettes, bound copies of the transcripts and subject indexes, and a small number of computer discs with transcript files. Transcripts and cassettes are arranged alphabetically by interviewee.

The interviews typically include discussions of the interviewees' backgrounds and education, and subsequent commentary on legal education. The administration of the law school is well covered in these interviews which also add significant detail to the operation of the University as a whole.