Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of a list of approximately 300 books that was compiled by the School for the Blind according to subject categories. The purpose of the list is not indicated, but the layout points to an attempt to inventory library collections in some way that was only partially completed. The lists are on pages 82-505 of a volume labeled "Ledger" and which also includes an annual report of accounts for 1901-1902, as well as ledger accounts predating the series by several decades.

Information for each book entry includes the title, author, and an apparently unique identification number.

The following 16 subject headings appear in the volume: religious and morals (no listings); poetry and drama; science (no listings); biography; history; philosophy (no listings); essays; fiction; oratory (no listings); wit and humor (no listings); fables and fairy tales (no listings); travel; guides; music (no listings); miscellaneous; and school and college text books (no listings).

The compilation date is unknown but pages stamped "New York State School for the Blind" indicate the series was created after the school's name had been changed from the Institute for the Blind (Laws of 1895, Chapter 563). Also found in the series is a separate list of all 16 subject headings, giving the page number in the volume at which the book list for each heading begins. That list, which functions as a table of contents, is written on the back of a requisition receipt for foodstuffs for the school, dated November 16, 1907.