New-York Historical Society vertical files
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
Subject files on topics of regional interest created and maintained by New-York Historical Society Library staff as a source of ready reference for frequently asked questions. The files consist largely of photocopied clippings from the New York Times.
Historical note
Before the internet transformed the way researchers access information, libraries routinely maintained collections of vertical files—ready reference material such as newspaper clippings, brochures, and other ephemera—on various topics of interest, arranged by subject. The name "vertical file" stems from how these collections were commonly stored, in vertical-style filing cabinets.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged alphabetically by file title in boxes 1-7. Box 8 contains miscellaneous material that is not part of the collection proper, but was stored with it in the same filing cabinet before the collection was transferred to boxes and shipped offsite.
Scope and Contents
The New-York Historical Society Vertical Files is an artificial collection begun by the N-YHS reference librarians, probably in the 1970s, and maintained and expanded through about 2015. The bulk of the collection consists of photocopied newspaper articles—mostly from the New York Times but also from other area papers—on various topics of regional interest that were frequently requested by researchers who visited or contacted the library. While much of the content of the files is now readily available online, the physical copies provide the ease of ready reference by grouping together numerous pieces on a single subject. See the inventory of this finding aid for a complete list of topics.
Subjects
Access Restrictions
This collection is stored offsite. To arrange to consult it, please go to www.nyhistory.org/library/visit.
Use Restrictions
Taking images of documents from the library collections for reference purposes by using hand-held cameras and in accordance with the library's photography guidelines is encouraged. As an alternative, patrons may request up to 20 images per day from staff. Application to use images from this collection for publication should be made in writing to: Department of Rights and Reproductions, The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5194, rightsandrepro@nyhistory.org. Phone: (212) 873-3400 ext. 282. Copyrights and other proprietary rights may subsist in individuals and entities other than the New-York Historical Society, in which case the patron is responsible for securing permission from those parties. For fuller information about rights and reproductions from N-YHS visit: www.nyhistory.org/rights-and-reproductions.
Preferred Citation
The collection should be cited as: "New-York Historical Society Vertical Files, PM 2, New-York Historical Society."
Location of Materials
About this Guide
Processing Information
Archivist Joseph Ditta created this finding aid in February 2024 incorporating information supplied by the New-York Historical Society's conservation staff, who boxed the collection for offsite storage.