Preliminary Inventory of the DoubleTake Records, 1908-1999 (bulk 1993-1999)
Collection Overview
Collection holds story manuscripts (with editor's marks), correspondence, and production files for issues 1-16, 1994-1999. Files of editors Jay Woodruff, Rob Odom, and other editors contain correspondence with writers whose work they were interested in publishing and editing. There are postcards and transparencies used in various issues; and a complete run of the magazine through spring 1999. There are two unidentified files.
Later accessions include production files and correspondence between the magazine's editors and its contributors, also covering issues 1-16.
Accession 2010-0081 includes photographer name files, dating from 1993 (pre-production) through 1998, kept by Alex Harris and other DoubleTake staff. Files were created whenever a photographer corresponded with the magazine, and include copies of correspondence between editors and photographers, slides of sample work, contracts for those who were accepted as contributors, and occasional biographies or other information about the photographer. Some files represent a particular museum's exhibit rather than a personal photographer; these are designated with exhibit titles instead of a photographer's name. Files are organized alphabetically, and include correspondence from well before the magazine began publication, as well as materials post-dating Harris's departure from the magazine.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- DoubleTake Records, 1908-1999 (bulk 1994-1999)
- Creator
- DoubleTake
- Extent
- 53.1 Linear Feet, 58,872 Items
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
- Language
- English.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Access is restricted.
In addition, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Jay Woodruff, Managing editor, 1994-1997
Missing files for issues 4 and 6.
Rob Odom's office files, chiefly relating to marketing and publicity; maintained in alphabetical order.
No files X through Z.
Alphabetical by writer's last name
Primarily for issues 3,6,7,9-12, but possibly others
General materials also interfiled
Name files for photographers, including correspondence, slides, personal statements, and other materials. Organized alphabetically by last name or exhibit title.
Historical Note
DoubleTake, formerly associated with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, was co-founded by Alex Harris and Robert Coles. It was established in 1995 to publish photography, fiction, poetry, and essays documenting the human experience "as it is and as it might be." In its early years, Alex Harris was responsible for managing everyday operations, while Robert Coles was based in Boston. DoubleTake's high-quality publications, focusing on photography, earned national awards and praise, including a National Magazine Award for general excellence. Despite its successes, however, the magazine was unable to rein in production costs. Alex Harris left the magazine in 1998, remaining with the Center for Documentary Studies as a professor and photographer. Rather than suspend publication, Coles moved the magazine to Somerville, New Jersey, where it continued to struggle financially. Its final issue, Summer 2003, was funded by a series of benefit concerts by Bruce Springsteen. By November 2004, the magazine closed its offices permanently.
Subject Headings
- DoubleTake
- Harris, Alex.
- Arts, American--20th century--Periodicals.
- Documentary photography--Periodicals.
- American literature--20th century--Periodicals.
- Duke University--Center for Documentary Studies.
- Archive of Documentary Arts (Duke University)
- Editors--United States--Correspondence.
- Periodical editors--United States--Correspondence.
- Documentary photography.
- American literature.
- Photojournalism--Periodicals.
- Photographs.
Related Material
Related collections at Duke University's Special Collections Library include the Alex Harris Papers, the DoubleTake Magazine serial (1995-2003), and the NC Self Portrait Project (which includes some photographs included in the magazine).
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], DoubleTake Records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
Materials were transferred into the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library in 1999 and 2010.
Processing Information
Processed by Don Sechler
Completed September 1999
Encoded by Lisa Stark
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
This collection is unprocessed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.
Accessions included in this collection: 1999-0187, 1999-0263, 1999-0336, 2010-0081
