Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum, 1985/2003

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
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], Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum, RG 15/27/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
16.81 Cubic Feet 18 boxes and 4 reels
Creator:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Science and Technology Studies Department
Abstract:
The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum contain correspondence, meeting notes, articles, plays, advertisements, grant applications and reports, videos, audio tapes, and more from the development of the first 22 Choices and Challenges fora, from 1985 to 2003. The Choices and Challenges Forum at Virginia Tech was founded in 1985 by Doris Zallen, who served as its director until 2003. Each forum addresses the ethical and social issues created by advances in science, technology, and medicine.
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], Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum, RG 15/27/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum contain correspondence, meeting notes, articles, plays, advertisements, grant applications and reports, videos, audio recordings, and more from the development of the first 22 Choices and Challenges fora, from 1985 to 2003.

The records are divided into eight series, subdivided by forum: I. Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003; II. Photographs, 1985-2003; III. Videos, 1985-2002; IV. Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989; and V. CDS, 1992-2001; VI. Floppy Disks, 1992-2003; VII. Posters, 1985-2003; VIII Teleconference Transcripts 1992-1997.

In the first series, Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003, each forum files contains folders devoted to forum planning (with notes or items from the planning process), pre-forum publicity, correspondence related to planning and publicity, and items related to the awarding of continuing-education credits to doctors or other professionals. Additional material pertains to speakers and session leaders, such as CVs and correspondence, and to post-forum activities, including articles and evaluations. Some fora include materials related to teleconferencing, outreach, lessons plans, and other activities.

The second series, Photographs, 1985-2003, document forums 1-19 and 21-22.

The third series, Videos, 1985-2002, contains videocassettes and film reels from local tv programs, and the different panels at forums 1, 6, 8-19, and 21.

The fourth series, Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989, consists of audiocassettes of the different panels from forums 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, and 15-18. This series also includes miscelaneous tapes in the "various tapes" file.

The fifth series, CDs, 1992-2001, contains Choices and Challenges website back ups and files from different fora.

The sixth series, Floppy Disks, 1992-2003, contain files from various fora.

The seventh series, Posters, 1985-2003, has forum posters as well as a poster about the project, "The Choices and Challenges Project - exploring the social and ethical dimensions of science and technology," from in between the 20th and 21st fora.

The last series, Teleconference Transcripts, 1992-1997, contian five transcripts for various forums.

Biographical / historical:

The Choices and Challenges Forum at Virginia Tech was founded in 1985 by Doris Zallen, who served as its director until 2003. Each forum addresses the ethical and social issues created by advances in science, technology, and medicine. The fora also examine the historical, philosophical, societal, and legal components.

Acquisition information:
The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum was transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in July 2018. Additional materials were transferred in May and June 2019.
Appraisal information:

Several items were removed from the collection and destroyed: duplicate items, empty photo envelopes and zip drive holder, blank and unused CDs and audiocassette tapes, software program CDs and instruction booklets, and an AV cord.

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum was completed in October 2018. The processing, arrangement, and description of additional materials was completed in September 2019.

Arrangement:

The Records of the Choices and Challenges Forum are organized into the following series:

  • Series I. Doris Zallen, director files, ca. 1985-2003
  • Series II. Photographs, 1985-2003
  • Series III. Videoscassette Tapes, 1985-2002
  • Series IV. Audiocassette Tapes, 1985-1989
  • Series V. CDs, 1992-2001
  • Series VI. Floppy Disks, 1992-2003
  • Series VII. Posters, 1985-2003
  • Series VIII. Teleconference Transcripts, 1992-1997