MenuInventory of the R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, 1944-2000
Collection Overview
Collection (1996-0122) (11,500 items; 34.5 lin. ft.; 1944-1996) contains research materials in parapsychology spanning five decades; data and records from numerous parapsychology experiments (1947-1989); correspondence files, which include nearly all important scientists in the field (1944-1996); and various printed materials, among which are several boxes of “psychic healing” literature. Some papers document in great detail professional criticism, disputes, and controversies over several decades.
The addition (1997-0084) (3000 items; 6.0 lin. ft.; 1951-1991) includes research records (many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes copies of many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each).
The addition (2000-0274) (3 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; 2000) to the collection contains a copy of McConnell's book Joyride to Infinity (2000), related items, and printouts of McConnell's website: www.ramcconnell.com. (No container list was created for this addition.)
The addition (2000-0431) (8 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 2000) contains statements and articles by McConnell summing up his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental phenomenon, the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim that parapsychological phenomena do not exist. (No container list was created for this addition.)
The addition (2008-0290) (4500 items; 6 lin. ft.; 1953-1990s) consists largely of individual correspondence (organized alphabetically), committee materials, and committee correspondence.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, 1944-2000
- Creator
- McConnell, R. A. (Robert A.)
- Extent
- 40.9 Linear Feet, 14,514 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
Collection 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
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllNote: See donor's original inventory in CCF for fuller details and explanations of abbreviations. The original box numbers are indicated in the container list below.
Old box numbers 001-002
Old box numbers 002-004
Old box numbers 004-005
Old box numbers 006-007
Old box numbers 007-008
Old box numbers 008-010
Old box numbers 010-011
Old box numbers 011-012
Old box numbers 013-014
Old box numbers 015-016
Old box numbers 017-018
Old box numbers 018-019
Old box numbers 020-021
Old box numbers 022-024
Old box numbers 024-026
Old box numbers 026-028
Old box numbers 028-030
Old box numbers 030-032
Needs more processing before use.
includes PA joins the AAAS, 1969-1980
Old box numbers 032-034
Old box numbers 034-035
Old box numbers 036-037
Old box numbers 037-039
Old box numbers 039-040
Accession (1997-0084)
The addition (1997-0084) (3000 items; 6.0 lin. ft.; 1951-1991) contains research records (many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes copies of many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each).
The addition (2000-0274) (3 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; 2000) contains a copy of McConnell's book Joyride to Infinity (2000), related items, and printouts of McConnell's website: www.ramcconnell.com.
The addition (2000-0431) (8 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 2000) includes statements and articles by McConnell summarizing his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental phenomenon, the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim that parapsychological phenomena do not exist. This material can also be found on McConnell's website.
Accession (2008-0290), 1953-1990s
The addition (2008-0290) (4500 items; 6 lin. ft.; 1953-1990s) consists largely of individual correspondence (organized alphabetically), committee materials, and committee correspondence. For a more complete description of the materials, please see the donor's inventory in the Collection Control File.
This is a preliminary finding aid for an unprocessed collection. Materials have been reboxed for preservation, but no additional arrangement has been completed at this time.
This accession is restricted. Please contact Reference Services with questions.
Historical Note
Professor emeritus in Biology at University of Pittsburgh and specialist in parapsychology.
Subject Headings
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift, 1996-2008.
Processing Information
Processed by Paula Jeannet, Lisa Stark, and Ruth E. Bryan.
Completed November 7, 1996, August 8, 1997, June 29, 2000, and April 26, 2001.
Encoded by Ruth E. Bryan.
Updated by Meghan Lyon, December 2008.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.