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Chicago Public Library Archives. Author Event Videos

 Collection
Identifier: spe-l00083

Scope and Contents

All of these recordings were recorded in the Harold Washington Library Center’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium by Chicago Public Library’s Audio and Visual Specialists between 1995 and 2011. Earlier recordings are on VHS videocassettes while DVDs began to be used around 2007. Both formats are in this collection with some overlap. There is a wide variety of genres of speakers in this collection, from bestselling authors to local, emerging talent. In addition to fiction writers, the collection features poets, journalists, actors, chefs, scientists and scholars, and programs include author talks, panel discussions, dramatic readings and poetry recitals. Some events were collaborations between the Chicago Public Library and other organizations, and these organizations are listed if known. Of particular note are the events held in conjunction with the One Book, One Chicago program and the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards. Many, though not all, of the recordings have second copies.

Dates

  • 1995 - 2011

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Biographical / Historical

As part of its mission, Chicago Public Library frequently hosts free, public events where authors talk about their work or are interviewed by guest presenters. Some of these events were recorded by the Library’s Audio and Visual Specialists and were later broadcast on television or on radio.

Extent

10.5 Linear Feet (in 15 boxes, including 189 VHS videocassettes, 41 DVDs)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

These recordings show some of the public programs Chicago Public Library has offered between 1995 and 2011. There is a wide variety of authors in this collection, from bestselling authors to local, emerging talent. In addition to fiction writers, the collection features poets, journalists, actors, chefs, scientists and scholars, and programs include author talks, panel discussions, dramatic readings and poetry recitals.

Arrangement

Recordings are arranged chronologically. The format of each recording is indicated.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The recordings were transferred from Chicago Public Library’s Cultural and Civic Engagement Office in 2017.

Related Materials

Chicago Public Library Archives

Title
Guide to the Chicago Public Library Archives. Author Event Videos
Status
Completed
Author
Morag Walsh, 2018. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Johanna Russ, 2022.
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository

Contact:
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875