Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of unit
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1977-1986 (Creation)
Extent
0.4 Cubic feet
Container summary
(1) 5" letter document box
Dimensions
Name of creator
Administrative history
Name of creator
Administrative history
Content and structure elements
Abstract
The Ohio State University chapter of the Ohio Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) was established in 1972 and existed until at least 1986. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) emerged across college campuses in the United States in the early 1970s as non-profit research and advocacy organizations, directed by students and professional staff, that focus on issues of environmental and consumer protection, human rights, and government responsiveness. The Ohio State University, Public Interest Research Group Records contain newsletters, financial records, and other administrative materials, dated 1977-1986.
Preferred citation
[identification of item], Ohio Public Interest Research Group, Ohio State University Chapter Records, RG 44.55, Ohio State University Archives, Ohio State University
Scope and content
The Ohio Public Interest Research Group, Ohio State University Chapter Records contain newsletters, financial records, and other administrative materials, dated 1977-1986.
System of arrangement
Materials are arranged in the order received.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Materials in this collection are available for patron research, but may be used only in the University Archives Reading Room. Audiovisual materials may need a use copy produced before access is allowed. Some materials in this collection may be stored off-site, and are only available if requested 72 hours in advance of your visit. Contact the University Archives for more information.
Physical access
Physical facet note
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright, and are made available for research and educational purposes. In general, the OSU Libraries do not own the copyright for materials from our collections and cannot grant copyright permissions for these materials. The user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status. If copyright protection applies, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exceptions to the law. Works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and do not require permission to use.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
English
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Accession Number UA.1987.0104: Source unknown, date unknown
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Separated archival materials
Material specific details
Related descriptions
Notes element
Biographical / Historical Note
The Ohio State University chapter of the Ohio Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) was established in 1972 and existed until at least 1986. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) emerged across college campuses in the United States in the early 1970s, based on a model described in the book Action for a Change by Ralph Nader and Donald Ross. These student chapters were organized on a statewide basis, all under the umbrella of U.S. PIRG. They are non-profit research and advocacy organizations, directed by college students and professional staff, that focus on issues of environmental and consumer protection, human rights, and government responsiveness. U.S. PIRG and state PIRGs remain active as of 2018.
The Ohio State University PIRG began as an independent chapter, unaffiliated with the Ohio Public Interest Research Group; however, OPIRG was critical of this separation, asserting that OSU PIRG would be more effective and credible as part of OPIRG. A campus petition was instigated in 1979 to establish an official OPIRG chapter at Ohio State University, and it received enough signatures to appear on the spring election ballot. Students approved the measure, so the official chapter was likely established, although there was some debate about the funding structure.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Sources used
Archivist's note
Finding aid written by: Samantha Thorne, 2018 May
Archivist's note
Finding aid prepared by Samantha Thorne