Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Dean Russell's Topical File, which is also arranged alphabetically, contains all of the surviving documentation for the School of Nursing's predecessor units, as well as material generated during Dean Russell's term of office. Material about predecessor units is found primarily in the following file headings: History; Michigan State Government, Board of Nursing, Reports; New York State Nursing Reports; and Reports, School of Nursing, Annual. Regarding Dean Russell's own period of service, the Topical File is particularly informative regarding accreditation (filed under the National League of Nursing, the agency responsible for accreditation), curriculum changes, graduate programs, the Michigan Association for Regional Medical Programs, the Michigan League of Nursing, the Michigan State Nurses Association and the student body (filed both under Students, as well as Alumnae and Alumni, Class Lists).

Because of the span of years involved, filing practices vary greatly in the Topical File. Sometimes material was gathered together under a general heading with several subheadings (such as the Michigan Association for Regional Medical Programs) while in other cases material is scattered throughout (one example is student material). Furthermore, similar, but not necessarily related, materials were often filed under the same heading. Efforts have been made in processing to correct such problems, but undoubtedly several remain undetected.

The Michigan High School Oratorical Association series, 1897-1931, is one of the smallest, but represents the oldest materials in the collection. Its materials are from this legacy organization of MIFA, including an accounting book, a scrapbook with minutes from meetings, and assorted loose items in folders.