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Ralph W. Hansen papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 6737

Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the life and career of Ralph W. Hansen. Materials consist of an interview transcript, a booklet, and photographs which document his career as a student, librarian, and archivist at several universities. His autobiography, Musings on the Life of Ralph W. Hansen, documents his personal and professional journey. Dated 1947-2014.

Dates

  • 1947-2014

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Ralph W. Hansen papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Ralph Hansen (born 1927) was a librarian at Brigham Young University, Stanford University, and Boise State University.

Ralph Hansen was born in 1927. He holds bachelor and master degrees in history from Brigham Young University and a master in library science from UC Berkeley. He was first appointed Curator of the Stanford Collection in 1962. He donated World War II memorabilia to a new museum in Italy, where Hansen was stationed in 1946. Ralph Hansen came to Boise State University in 1979 to be the associate university librarian. During his time at the library at Boise State, Hansen oversaw both technical and public services — jointly and separately at given times. In addition to serving in these roles, he also directed the momentous processing project of the Senator Frank Church Papers. Hansen’s fondness and enthusiasm for his work extended beyond collaboration with colleagues and patrons to a family effort including his wife, Lillian, who graciously volunteered her time in support of library projects. Following Hansen’s retirement in 1989, he continued working for the library as a volunteer, combing through publishers’ catalogs and academic journals to recommend books to purchase for the McCain Collection for Western Life. He also has supported the library with his gifts. Through his generous and loyal contributions of library resources and his genuine passion for learning and sharing knowledge, Hansen’s support of the library benefits students and staff alike.

Biographical History

P. Bradford Westwood (born 1957) is an archivist and historic preservationist in Utah.

P. Bradford Westwood grew up in Provo, Utah, and spent his summers on the Oregon coast. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University in American Studies in 1985 and his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Historic Preservation in 1994. He was on the Board of Directors of the Brigham Young Academy Foundation from 1985 to 1989, and was one of the co-founders of the Foundation. He worked for the Brigham Young University's L. Tom Perry Special Collections and served as the assistant chair from 1997 to 2002, and chair from 2002 to 2008. In 2009 Brad became the Manager of Collection Development (museum, archives, and library) for the Historical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2013 he was appointed the director of the Utah Division of State History. He is the co-founder of the A. Dean Larsen Book Collectors Conference. His subject specialties include rare books and manuscripts, the administration of cultural repositories, architectural history (19th/20th Century American and European), and historic preservation.

Extent

5 folders (0.5 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Acquired through an interview with Ralph Hansen and his wife Lillian June 26, 2006 by Brad Westwood. The photographs and booklet were also acquired during this interview. The autobiography was donated by Ralph W. Hansen in 2014.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Ralph W. Hansen; 2007.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Ralph W. Hansen; 2014.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Ralph W. Hansen; 2016.

Appraisal

University history (University Archives collecting policy, February 2010).

Processing Information

Processed; Whitney Parry; 2009.

Processing Information

Processed; Hannah Waddel; 2014.

Processing Information

Processed; Erin Owens; January 2015.

Processing Information

Processed; Cory Nimer; October 2021.

Title
Register of Ralph W. Hansen papers
Status
Completed
Author
Whitney Parry, student processer
Date
2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Revision Statements

  • 2014 May: Revised; Hannah Waddel.
  • 2015 January 22: Addendum added; Erin Owens.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States