Collection: Bureau of Business and Economic Research records

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research was founded in 1946 to conduct academic research into regional economic concerns. The administrative records of the Bureau include reports, computer printouts, book manuscripts, and publications, concerning such subjects as a Maryland tax study, state and local government, conservation, industrial planning and development, and demographic processes.

Dates

1946-1970
Majority of material found within 1953-1966

Use and Access to Collection

This collection is open for research.

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 policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Extent

22.25 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Scope and Content of Collection

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research records covers the years 1946 to 1970. The bulk of the material dates from 1953 to 1966. The records include correspondence, memoranda, reports, computer printouts, notes, book chapter drafts, and printed matter. Out of this mateiral two main areas emerge. First, a large body of administrative records deals with the range of activities concerning the operation of the Bureau and its relations with similar organizations. Second, research material covers the projects constituting the core of the Bureau's work. Particularly important are taxes, state and local government, conservation, industrial planning and development and demographic proceseses.

Administrative History

The University of Maryland Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) was created in 1946 with the hiring of economist Dr. John Cover to organize and direct the Bureau. Cover headed the BBER until his retirement in 1962. As with similar bureaus in most other major land-grant universities, the BBER has provided academic research into regional economic concerns. The Bureau's stated purpose is to provide research, education, and service to the university and the state. In particular, the BBER's research has focused on the economic, environmental, and fiscal problems facing Maryland and its local governments.

One such study, documented in depth here, was the Maryland Tax Study, a project undertaken at the request of the State of Maryland. The research for this project, led by Dr. Samuel B. Chase, took place in 1963-1964. The final report, published in 1965, provided data and analytic material, while avoiding specific policy recommendations, on projections of Maryland state and local taxes, revenues, and expenditures.

From 1947 to 1961 the Bureau published the quarterly Studies in Business and Economics to disseminate the results of the research. After 1962, the BBER concentrated on supporting research for publication in scholarly journals and monographs. Throughout the Bureau's history, areas of research included state economic development, state and local public finance, and natural resources and the environment. Of particular concern was the environmentally-sound development of the resources of the Chesapeake Bay. Although the Bureau was independent of the various academic departments of the University, its researchers also taught in the Department of Education. At one time, it was part of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Arrangement

The records are divided into three series:

Series 1: Maryland Tax Study
Series 2: Correspondence
Series 3: Subject Files

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

Precise information concerning the donation of the records of the Bureau is not available. It is believed the files were received during the 1970s.

Related Material

Publications issued by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research are located in the University Publications collection in the Archives and Manuscripts Department, cataloged under B12. In addition, there are two small, unprocessed accessions of records from the Bureau.

Processing Information

Series 1 consists of the first set of documents received from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Rusty staples and paper clips were replaced with plastic clips, materials were placed in acid-free folders and boxes, and an inventory was prepared.

Materials in Series 2 and 3 arrived with a hodgepodge of labelling apparently added just prior to shipment. All folders remained intact but folder headings were created to systematically reflect folder contents. Paper clips and rusty staples were removed and replaced with plastic clips over acid-free paper strips. All materials were placed in acid-free folders and boxes. Finally, the guide was expanded and reformatted.