| Questions are answered as soon as possible.
Visits to the library during regular hours are encouraged. Junior high and
high school students are encouraged to use the library for help with their
papers. Detailed written or e-mailed requests make it easier to fill requests
for information. Extensive requests for information will require personal
visits, as the staff cannot devote large amounts of time to research.
Copies are subject to copyright laws and carry a nominal charge. The amount
of material in archives vary considerably. Sometimes requests cannot be filled
as there is little material. A frequent request is for family genealogy of
railroad men and women. We do not have railroad personnel files. Contact
the Railroad Retirement Board
(www.rrb.gov) for information
regarding railroad personnel from the 1930s to present.
Books and Pamphlets
The collection consists of about 10,000 books and pamphlets related to railroads
nationwide. Collections include general histories, photo histories, atlases,
corporate histories, biographies, and reference books. Collections are organized
by subject such as locomotives, electric railways, passenger trains, individual
railroads, technical engineering books, catalogs, and government documents,
including ICC and state commission papers.
Periodicals and Serials
The Richardson Library has over 260 periodicals and serials, including Trains,
Railroad, NRHS Bulletin, Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Bulletins.
Some uncommon titles in the library are the 1832 edition of American Railway
Journal. Trade publications on hand, for example, are Railway Age, Traffic
World, and Modern Railroads. Consult the staff for availability and a list.
Photographs, Slides, and Movies
This section is being cataloged and sorted. Photographs are being arranged
by individual railroad names. You must make your photograph selection in
person. Computer scans or photographic copies are available. Consult the
staff for prices. The slides and movies are being sorted and are not available
at this time.
Archives
The majority of the library collection is devoted to original archives These
include timetables, annual reports, ICC valuation papers, railroad engineering
drawings, maps, and other material. Companies represented, for instance,
are Colorado & Southern, D&RGW, Union Pacific and Denver Tramway.
Donations
Donations of books, artifacts, and railroad paperwork are always welcome.
The librarian can discuss the needs of the library with you. Donations are
appreciated. They have made the library what it is today. |
