IAWA: International Archive of Women in Architecture Records

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], International Archive of Women in Architecture Records, 1967-2013 (bulk dates 1985-2008), Ms1985-021, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
15.5 Cubic Feet 10 boxes, 1 oversize folder, 1 tube box
Creator:
Dunay, Donna and Bliznakov, Milka T., 1927-2010
Abstract:
The records of the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA) consist of files created by IAWA founder Milka Bliznakov, various IAWA officers, and Special Collections archivists. Materials include founding documents, meeting minutes, newsletter information, correspondence with supporters and donors, and internal correspondence.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], International Archive of Women in Architecture Records, 1967-2013 (bulk dates 1985-2008), Ms1985-021, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The International Archive of Women in Architecture records encompass the founding of and day-to-day operations of the organization. Materials present include administration files (meeting minutes, bylaws, financial information), correspondence (internal and with potential donors), collection development files (policy developments, solicitation efforts), promotional material (newsletters, exhibits, conferences, and visiting speakers), and reference files. The collection ranges in date from 1967-2013 (bulk 1985-2008) and is divided into three series: Founder's Files, IAWA Center Files, and Archivist Files.

Biographical / historical:

The International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA) was established in 1985 as a joint program of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the University Libraries at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). The purpose of the program is to document the history of women's involvement in architecture by collecting, preserving, storing, and making available to researchers the professional papers of women architects, landscape architects, designers, architectural historians and critics, and urban planners, and the records of women architectural organizations, from around the world. The IAWA collects this information to fill serious gaps in the availability of primary research materials for architectural, women's history, and social history research.

Acquisition information:
The International Archive of Women in Architecture records were donated to Special Collections in 1998 and 1999 by Dr. Bliznakov. Other materials have been periodically donated by various IAWA Board Members over the years.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the International Archive of Women in Architecture was completed in November 2011.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into three series:

Series I. Founding Files, 1985-1996

Series II. IAWA Center Files, 1967-2011 (bulk 1985-2008)

Series III. Archivist Files, 1973-2007 (bulk 1985-2007)

The series retain the original order of the records and organizationally preserves the separate functions provided by each member of the partnership.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard