Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive.
- Abstract:
- Correspondence, photographs, clipping files, reports, and other materials from the Belfer Audio Archive
- Extent:
- 21 boxes (18.75 linear feet)
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Belfer Audio Archive Records,
Background
- Scope and Content:
The Belfer Audio Archive Records comprise various materials which document the history of the Belfer Audio Archive and its directors. The records include correspondence, subject files, clippings, photographs, slides, and reports.
- Biographical / Historical:
The Belfer Audio Archive is one of the largest archives of recorded sound in the United States. Syracuse University's audio archive was founded in 1963 under the guidance of Walter L. Welch, who also served as its first director and curator. The archive was first established when the University acquired the collection of Joseph and Max Bell of New York City, encompassing 150,000 sound recordings. Under Welch's leadership, the audio archive became a leader in the re-recording and preservation of sound recordings. Initially housed in the Continental Can Company building in Syracuse, the collections were moved in 1982 into their current location, the Diane and Arthur Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive on the University's main campus. The building was funded by Diane and Arthur B. Belfer and the Jon Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Today the Belfer Audio Archive holds over 500,000 items and comprises formats from the earliest experimental recordings on tinfoil to modern digital media.
- Acquisition information:
- The University Archives acquired the materials from the Belfer Audio Archive between in 2010 and 2011.
- Processing information:
These records are not processed.
- Arrangement:
The collection is unprocessed and remains in original order.
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.
School, college and department records are restricted to the office of origin for 30 years. Requests to use restricted records must be obtained in writing from the office of origin.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
- PREFERRED CITATION:
-
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Belfer Audio Archive Records,
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
Special Collections Research CenterSyracuse University LibrariesBird Library, Room 600Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
- CONTACT:
-
315.443.2697scrc@syr.edu