BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Industrial Archives & Library (IAL) recently accepted a significant transfer of materials from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Research Library. These materials, relating to various forms of transportation and engineering, have been added to the growing collection of this Bethlehem non-profit that specializes in the collection, preservation and storage of archival materials that chronicle America’s industrial history.
In total, almost 1,500 volumes were added to IAL’s library, which is searchable through the Industrial Archives & Library’s website at www.industrialarchives.org. While many titles are new to the library, some of the periodicals fill gaps of the Library’s current holdings.
“Transportation is a vital component of our national infrastructure system and is directly related to IAL’s mission. This collection will be available to engineers and others with an interest in the movement of people and materials.”
Melissa Nerino, Associate Archivist
“This addition to our collection broadens our research capability,” stated Melissa Nerino, Associate Archivist. “Transportation is a vital component of our national infrastructure system and is directly related to IAL’s mission. This collection will be available to engineers and others with an interest in the movement of people and materials.”
The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Research Library offered materials for deaccession due to a space constraint caused by a move into a smaller facility. In December 2018, staff of the Industrial Archives & Library traveled to that facility north of Trenton, N. J., to pick up the 16 linear feet of materials. Throughout the end of December and through the first half of 2019, IAL library staff cataloged the materials for easy research.
Archival and library materials housed at the Industrial Archives & Library can be searched on the institution’s website, www.industrialarchives.org. The organization is always open to new donations that fall within its mission. Anyone wishing to provide donations of archival materials or books may email Robert Bilheimer, General Manager, at info@industrialarchives.org.