Title

Table of Contents

Biographical Note

Scope and Content Note

University Committees

Teaching and Advising

Research and Publications

Education

Zoology Department

Correspondence

Journals and Datebooks

Subject Files

Return to Special Collections

Special Collections

ROBERT WILLIAM HARRISON PAPERS
1931-2004

 MSG# 181

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The Robert William Harrison Papers contain records from 1931 to 2004, relating to Harrison’s activities as a professor of zoology, an undergraduate and graduate student, a participant in numerous University and departmental committees, a member of various professional organizations, a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer, and documents relating to his family and personal life.

The papers, which were donated to URI Library Special Collections in early 2005, include correspondence, memoranda, reports, notes, research materials (including microscope slides, experiment data, photographs, and card indexes to research publications), notebooks, news clippings, course materials, student papers, and realia. 

The papers are divided into the following series:

Series I, University Committees (1949-2000), consists of documents relating to Harrison’s involvement in university governance, and his participation in numerous committees at the University of Rhode Island. A large number of records in the series pertain to Harrison ’s work on the Faculty Senate and its committees. Folders in the series may contain memoranda, reports, correspondence, notes, meeting minutes, agendas, publications, and some news clippings.

Series II, Teaching and Advising (1949-99), consists of documents relating to Harrison’s work as a professor of zoology, and advisor to graduate and undergraduate students. The series contains course materials, lecture notes, transparencies, student advisory files, student research, recommendation correspondence, student evaluation reports, and glass plate negatives of lecture illustrations.

Series III, Research and Publications (1934-76), consists of documents relating to scientific research conducted by Harrison as a graduate student, a professor of zoology, and Medical Officer in the U.S. Navy. The series also contains manuscripts prepared for publication by Harrison, transcripts and notes for presentations delivered at professional conferences, and materials used by Harrison for research. The series contains experiment data, manuscripts and drafts, bound copies of Harrison ’s M.A. thesis and Ph.D. dissertation, article reprints, card indexes to research publications, photographs, glass plate negatives, and realia.

Series IV, Education (1936-69), consists of documents relating to Harrison’s work as an undergraduate and graduate student, as well as various seminars and symposia Harrison attended while a professor of zoology. Folders in the series may contain lecture notes, notebooks, laboratory drawings, course materials, and textbooks.

Series V, Zoology Department (1948-2002), consists of documents relating to the administrative activities of the URI Zoology Department. The series contains memoranda, reports, notes, correspondence, meeting minutes, and agenda.

Series VI, Correspondence (1936-98), consists of Harrison’s personal and professional correspondence.

Series VII, Journals and Datebooks (1935-2004), consists of a single journal, and pocket-sized yearly datebooks used by Harrison.

Series VIII, Subject Files (1931-2004), consists of documents relating to Harrison’s membership in professional organizations, clubs, and the Boy Scouts, articles written about Harrison, his creative writing, his high school and college reunions, and other subjects. The series contains news clippings, photographs and glass plate negatives (including portraits of Harrison and others and personal documents), yearbooks,  correspondence, diplomas, and realia.