E-Newsletter

Preserving the Source
An e-newsletter from the Water Resources Archive
at Colorado State University

September 2007
Issue IX

An International Legacy of Water Resource Development: Processing the Papers of Maurice L. Albertson

This semester, the CSU Water Resources Archive is tackling one of its biggest collections: the Papers of Maurice L. Albertson. More than a hundred boxes are being inventoried, arranged, and otherwise processed in order to make Albertson's impressive collection of documents more accessible to researchers.

Albertson, best known for his central role in establishing the Peace Corps, also conducted extensive research on water-related subjects, ranging from reservoir sedimentation to improving water quality in developing countries. He was involved in more than a dozen national and international organizations, including the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, which he helped establish in 1959.

Albertson's activities worldwide were matched by his contributions to CSU, where he served for 60 years as a professor of civil engineering. Now a Centennial Emeritus Professor, Albertson founded the University's International Studies Program and became the first director of the CSU Research Foundation (CSURF) in 1958. During his long tenure, he accumulated a stockpile of professional documents, which he donated to the Water Resources Archive in 2004.

For the Archive, processing this large collection presents significant challenges. Measuring some 218 linear feet, or nearly 150 boxes, the entire collection must be preserved for the future by re-housing all documents in acid-free folders and boxes, and removing any metal objects (such as paperclips) that might rust and damage the contents.

Albertson's wide-ranging interests and activities make his papers a potential windfall for researchers as well as presenting some organizational challenges for the Archive. Documents spanning more than half a century of teaching, research, organizational involvement, and international development must be organized to facilitate researcher access-while staying true to the original arrangement of documents wherever possible. When processing is complete, the Papers of Maurice L. Albertson will represent an invaluable resource for researchers and a significant achievement for the Archive.

Back to Top

Archive Update: More Finding Aids

Three new finding aids have been posted to the Water Resources Archive website for the Papers of Robert E. Glover, the Records of the Groundwater Appropriators of the South Platte (GASP) and the Records of the Wright Water Engineers, Inc.

A CSU professor at the end of his career, Robert Glover spent most of his life working for the Bureau of Reclamation on major projects, including Hoover, Grand Coulee and Hungry Horse dams. His 38 boxes of papers document this work and more.

Another of the recently posted finding aids covers the seventeen boxes of the Records of GASP (Groundwater Appropriators of the South Platte). Holding significant information about groundwater usage in the South Platte Basin, the GASP collection is a treasure trove waiting to be tapped.

The final finding aid recently out is for the Records of Wright Water Engineers, Inc. This portion of the company's documents details its studies following the Big Thompson River flood of 1976. Though only five boxes, the collection adds significantly to the picture of what happened during the flood and how to prevent a similar disaster.

Back to Top

Looking Forward: Upcoming Presentations

This fall the Water Resources Archive will be giving two presentations. One will be at the South Platte Forum in October. Archivist Patty Rettig will be giving an illustrated presentation on the Archive's holdings and services. Come hear her the afternoon of Wednesday, October 24, and find out even more about the Archive and what it can do for you! (More information at www.southplatteforum.org.)

The second presentation is a full-day workshop hosted by DARCA entitled "Records Management for Ditch Companies." It is being held at CSU on Thursday, November 8, from 10-4. Archives department head Janet Bishop will be talking about records management concepts, and Patty Rettig will talk about the Water Resources Archive and how it can help ditch companies. Register for the workshop online.

Back to Top

Support the Archive: Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars for the Third Annual Water Tables on February 9, 2008

Enjoy an evening of stimulating conversation and delicious food as the best of the best in Western water gather to discuss pioneers from all sides of past water debates. This year's Water Tables event-From Water Fights to Water Rights: Groundbreaking Moments & People in the Greater Colorado Water Story-will take place on Saturday, February 9 on the CSU campus in Fort Collins. The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails and tours of the Water Resources Archive. Dinner with table hosts will begin at 7:00 p.m. Some of the table hosts and topic conversations include:

Tickets are $125 per person. Reservations are first-come, first-serve and will open in January. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available.

All proceeds benefit the Water Resources Archive, helping us to grow our collections and digitize materials for you to use. For more information visit, the Water Tables 2008 website.

Back to Top

Virtual Visit: Sign Up Colleagues for WRA Research Updates

Is someone you know engaged in a water-related research project? Do you know someone who would benefit from updates about the Water Resources Archive?

Sign them up for updates by visiting our new E-Newsletter sign-up page. Now everyone can keep on top of important updates about our resources and collections. Sign-up is free and takes less than a minute of your time.

This quarterly electronic newsletter is designed to keep you informed on the developments with the Water Resources Archive. If you would prefer not to receive further updates, or if you know someone else who would like to receive this, just drop a line to us at development@library.colostate.edu.

This e-newsletter is created by Patty Rettig with the assistance of Judea Franck.