An unexpected place for data is archival collections. It is not the first place most of us think of when working with data, but it can be a treasure trove of historical information, research and field notes, all valuable sources for datasets. This research method involves extracting data from archival collections rather than creating or collecting data. During Love Data Week, we would like to take the opportunity to highlight collections from University Archives that contain historical data:
H.H. Nininger Papers
Harvey Harlow Nininger was a multidisciplinary scientist who taught at several universities across the United States. Beginning in 1923, Nininger became obsessed with the study of meteorites. Over the course of the next several decades, he went around the world collecting samples and documenting statistical information. Of particular interest in his papers are field notes and an inventory of his meteorite collection, where he noted the location of the find (latitude and longitude), date of discovery, and the composition, weight, and size for each of the 680+ items in his collection.
Carlton B. Moore Papers
Dr. Carlton Moore came to ASU in 1961 to be the founding Director of the Center for Meteorite Studies now known as the Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies. His collection contains extensive research files, field notes, photographs, and reports. Of particular note is documentation of projects he did with NASA, including several Apollo missions.
Wendell Minckley Papers
Dr. Wendell Minckley was a professor of ichthyology (fish science) who taught at ASU from 1963 to 2000. His specialties were aquatic ecosystems, southwestern fishes, and conservation biology. He was known for his work at Lake Mohave (Nevada-Arizona), Aravaipa Creek (Arizona), and Cuatro Cienegas (Mexico). His collection contains research files, data, field notes, and many, many photographs of fishes.
The Stephen J. Pyne papers
Stephen Pyne is an ASU professor emeritus and environmental historian whose research focuses primarily on global fire history. He is a prolific author and many of his publications are in the ASU Library’s collections. Dr. Pyne’s papers were donated to the ASU Library starting in 2015 and include his research, field notes and journals.
- Written by Shannon Walker, Associate Archivist of University Archives, Community-Driven Archives