Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1907-1950 (Accumulation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
William H. Powers was born in northwest Ohio. He attended Miami University in Oxford, OH, receiving his B.A. in 1891. He obtained his M.A. from Harvard University in 1899. After teaching at Huron College in Huron, South Dakota for a few years, he became the librarian of South Dakota State College in 1905, a position he held until 1931.
In addition to his service to the university, Powers was a charter member of the South Dakota Academy of Science, as well as the Forum. He served on the SD State Library commission, as well as the Brookings Public Library Board of Trustees, and was instrumental in getting a Carnegie Library placed in Brookings. He was also involved in the Boy Scouts from a very early date.
Powers died in 1936.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed mainly of Powers' notes and materials he wrote about his history of the college. For the most part, these are draft materials. Also included are some correspondence and some totally unrelated material. This material includes notes about the foundation of the Brookings Public Library, and notes on the World Disarmament Committee, including a petition against conscription signed by many university faculty.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
ID
ID
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Powers, William H. (William Howard) 1868-1936 (Subject)
- Ethical Culture Club (Brookings, S.D.) (Subject)