Schomburg Center Clipping Files: Rich Resources in Black History and Culture
What is it?
The Schomburg Center Clipping Files is a rich microfiche collection developed by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This collection, spanning over 13,000 microfiche sheets, consists mainly of periodical and newspaper clippings, but also includes public notices, pamphlets, programs, broadsides, leaflets, playbills, newsletters and other short publications relating to diverse aspects of black history and culture from 1924-1988. The collection covers largely African-American history and culture, but is also international in scope (including Canada, the Caribbean and Africa).
Why should I use it?
Whether your research or teaching interest is historical, social, political, economic, literary or cultural in nature this rich collection is an excellent source for primary source material relevant to a variety of disciplines. A sample of the collection includes:
Social and political commentary from 1925-1988 through cartoons and caricatures
Newspaper headlines documenting race relations and the lives of blacks in Canada and the United States (CANADA LOWERS NEGRO BARRIERS, March 18, 1956; CANADIAN NEGRO LOSES: Court Rules Apartment Owner Need Not Rent Him Space, July 22, 1956)
Playbills from theatrical releases (such as a Raisin in the Sun)
Reports of political activities of blacks in Canada and the United States (RESTRICTION ACTS AROUSE CANADIANS: Voters denounce liberal party, September 11, 1928)
… and much more!
How do I use it?
The collection is located in the Microtext Room on the first floor of Scott Library (Call numbers E 185 S373 1985 and E 185 S374 1993). The collection is divided into two parts by time period: Part 1, 1924-1975 and Part 2, 1975-1988. Each microfiche is arranged alphabetically by subject. Consult the Index to the Schomburg Center Clipping File to locate appropriate material by subject headings. The index also includes a separate “Africa Section” index for those interested only in African coverage.
Faculty members may also use the clippings to supplement course material for a class. For example, scan a newspaper clipping on microfiche into a digital copy using the microfilm/microfiche scanner and place the clipping on E-reserves for a class. For help in making an electronic copy of a microfiche, please see a staff member in the Microtext Room.
Help your students “explore every angle” of black history and culture with the help of the Schomburg Center Clipping files.
For more information about the Schomburg Center Clipping Files contact Norda Majekodunmi, Africana Librarian at nordam@yorku.ca.
