2017-10-11 Guide to the Ohio Public Interest Research Group, Ohio State University Chapter Records, 1977-1986 RG.44.55 Finding aid prepared by Samantha Thorne Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections

1858 Neil Avenue Columbus, OH, 43210

2018 June This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2018-08-20T10:18-0400 English Describing Archives: A Content Standard Ohio Public Interest Research Group, Ohio State University Chapter Records RG.44.55 Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections 0.4 Cubic feet 1977-1986 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. (1) 5" letter document box English Ohio Public Interest Research Group. Ohio State University Chapter. Ohio State University. Public Interest Research Group. Arrangement of Materials

Materials are arranged in the order received.

Acquisitions Information

Accession Number UA.1987.0104: Source unknown, date unknown

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

Access to Materials

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.

Use of Materials

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.

Processing Information

Finding aid written by: Samantha Thorne, 2018 May

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.

Scope and Contents

The Ohio Public Interest Research Group, Ohio State University Chapter Records contain newsletters, financial records, and other administrative materials, dated 1977-1986.

Ohio Public Interest Research Group. Ohio State University Chapter. Ohio State University--History. Ohio State University--Students. Ohio State University. Public Interest Research Group. College students--Ohio--Columbus--Societies, etc.--20th century College students--Social networks--Ohio--Columbus--20th century Public interest groups--Ohio--Columbus--20th century Student activities--Ohio--Columbus--20th century Student movements--Ohio--Columbus--20th century Accession Number UA.1987.0104 0.4 Cubic feet 1977-1986 (1) 5" letter document box Newsletters UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986 Constitution UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986 IRS UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986 Financial records UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986 Registration UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986 Membership UA.1987.0104.0001 1977-1986