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Laurence A. Jarvik papers

 Collection 0158-MMC-NPBA

Laurence Ariel Jarvik is a writer, scholar, filmmaker and a conservative critic of public broadcasting. His two book-length works are PBS: Behind the Screen (1997) and Masterpiece Theatre and the Politics of Quality (1999). The collection contains research files pertaining to Jarvik's critical studies of public broadcasting. The files, the bulk of which date from 1990 to 1998, include interviews with public broadcasting personalities, and information on popular programs and public broadcasting organizations both in North America and Europe.

Dates

  • 1935-1998
  • Majority of material found within 1990-1998

Use and Access to Collection

This collection is open for research use.

Duplication and Copyright Information

Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials page for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Extent

4.50 Linear Feet

Scope and Content of Collection

The Laurence A. Jarvik papers consists of research files pertaining to his critical studies of public broadcasting. The files, the bulk of which date from 1990 to 1998, include interviews with public broadcasting personalities, and information on popular programs and public broadcasting organizations both in North America and Europe. The materials cover the topics of program funding, development and content and include many viewpoints that are critical of American public broadcasting. Types of documents in the collection include interview transcripts, correspondence, memos, dissertations, studies, writings, publications and audiocassettes.

Arrangement

Organized as one series divided into six subseries:

  1. Series 1: Research Files

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The Laurence A. Jarvik papers were donated to the National Public Broadcasting Archives, University of Maryland Libraries by Laurence A. Jarvik in August of 2001.

Title
Guide to the Laurence A. Jarvik papers
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Elizabeth R. Walker, December 2001.
Date
2001-12-01
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Revision Statements

  • 2005-04-15: EAD markup checked and verified using JEdit software by Karen E. King.
  • 2008-03-21: EAD revised by Stephanie Selzer and Karen E. King.
  • 2017-11-03: Finding aid reviewed and edited by Rebecca Thayer.
  • 2018-12-20: Finding aid reviewed and minor edits made by Duncan Griffin.
  • 2021-08-20: Jim Baxter re-wrote the collection abstract.

Library Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives

Contact:
University of Maryland Libraries
Hornbake Library
4130 Campus Drive
College Park Maryland 20742
301-405-9212