Summary |
|
| Creator: | Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive. |
| Title: | Belfer Audio Archive Records |
| Dates: | 1877-2003 |
| Size: | 21 boxes (18.75 linear feet) |
| Abstract: | Correspondence, photographs, clipping files, reports, and other materials from the Belfer Audio Archive |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: |
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives |
Historical Note
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.
Scope and Content Note
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.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
The collection is currently unprocessed and not available for research.
School, college and department records are restricted to the office of origin for 30 years.
Use Restrictions
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.
Related Material
The University Archives holds a clipping file for the Belfer Audio Archive as well as images of the archive in the Photograph Collection.
Selected Search Terms
Names
Subjects
Types of material
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Belfer Audio Archive Records,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
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.
Finding Aid Information
Created by: Jaihyun Park and Meg Mason
Date: 2018
Revision history: Mar 2022 - Restriction added (HVA)