Presidential papers," wrote Herbert Hoover, "are an important original source of information for historians, and serve to clarify the social and political scene over the years they cover." In this brief statement, the 31st President of the United States captured the essence of the archival program at the Presidential libraries--to make available important original source materials that clarify the development of the nation's social and political life over time.

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library has been committed to preserving and making archival materials available for nearly three decades. Beginning in the mid-1960s, archivists at the Hoover Library have devoted their time and attention to the papers of Herbert Hoover and his associates. Over 150 collections have been acquired, accessioned, processed, and made available since that time. This is a remarkable achievement when you consider that the Library did not open until 30 years after the President left office.

The Library has been particularly diligent in acquiring collections in recent years. In fact, over 20 percent of the Library's holding have been accessioned since 1988. Today the Library has substantial holdings in a number of subject areas including agricultural economics, atomic energy, commercial aviation, political journalism, government efficiency and reorganization, isolationism, and U.S. foreign policy, in addition to the papers of the Hoover Presidency.

Mr. Hoover's diverse activities and interests are the basis of the Library's collecting policy and his papers are the foundation of our holdings. Yet the papers in West Branch are but half of the Hoover Papers. Hoover's papers on the Commission for Relief in Belgium (1914-17), the U.S. Food Administration (1917-19), and the American Relief Administration (1919-24) are at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University. Transcripts of many of the major documents relating to World War I relief and reconstruction are also available in West Branch.

Preserving the archival collections is a vital activity, but no less important is the Library's effort to reach researchers. Thousands of scholars from all 50 states and more than a dozen foreign countries have found their way to West Branch over the past 30 years. We look forward to welcoming many more researchers in the years to come.

It is in that spirit that we publish this new edition of Historical Materials in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. We hope that all who consult this guide will consider it an invitation to call, write, or visit the Hoover Library. The compilers of this edition, as well as the entire staff of the Hoover Library, look forward to hearing from you in the not too distant future.

--TIMOTHY WALCH
Director