Worth the Paper It’s Printed On

One of eight signature collections in the Rubenstein Library, the Economists’ Papers Archive draws scholars from around the world to research the history of political economy through the study of prominent economists’ academic and personal papers, scholarly journal records, and academic association documents. Materials in the collection document the work of economists from the 19th century to the present day, and the strengths of the collection include game theory, macroeconomics, and—as demonstrated by the items on display here—monetary economics.

To what extent should the government seek to intervene in the economy? What can we learn about the impact of monetary policy carried out by past administrations? Is the gap between rich and poor too great, and if so, what should the government do about it? What determines the value of our work, and the value of the money we earn? The Economists’ Archive documents these controversies through the decades, and illuminates the current economic-centered debates among our elected officials—and presidential candidates.

This exhibition was sponsored in part by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.