History of the AIS Library --Under Construction

The history of the AIS Library, both physical and online, is recorded here. A summary of the 104 plus years is presented, followed by a timelime of events, and then an expanded timeline including notes and quoted references.

Summary

Timeline

Expanded timeline notes and references

Summary

Under construction

Even as the AIS was being founded John Wister dreamed of there being an AIS library. He envisioned that it would contain books, AIS Bulletins and magazine and journal articles about iris. Today we have an existensive library of these articles online. He thought the library should be available to all members and it started as four sets of traveling libraries that commemorated Bertrand Farr who had just died. These libraries continued until at some point they became too large to transport. The Farr libraries were stored with the executive secretary. Potential library materials were archived in the New York Botanical Garden Library. At Swarthmore College there were Wister's Lantern Slides, and later Cornell would have many iris materials from the time of Fritz Randolph, even later materials were deposited at Missouri Botanical Garden when the offices of AIS were at the gate house. It was probably not until 1965 when Helen McCaughey became historian that items started to be consolidated at a single place. Library archiving services were spread, off and on, through numerous positions like; Slide Chair; Historian; Publications; and Librarian. Many people have filled these roles:

• Lantern Sldes: Mrs. Silas B Waters 1926--1933
• Lantern Slides: Mrs. K.H. Leigh 1933--1937
• Lantern Slides: Mrs. Herman Lewis 1937--1939
• Lantern Slides: Mrs. P.E. Corey, 1940-1945
• Kodachrome Slides: Mrs. P.E. Corey 1946-
• Executive Secretary: Cliff Benson 1957-1977
• Slides: Don Waters; 1956-
• Librarian: Dorothy Howard 1977-1983 {'83 changed to assistant sales director.--1985
• Historian: Helen McCaughey 1965--1976
• Historian: Larry Harder 1976--2001
• Librarian: Keith McNames 2001--2006
• Librarian: Tracy Plotner 2006-2012
• Historical Resources: Anne Lowe 2005
• Public Relations/Marketing (Wiki Manager and later online librarian) Bob Pries 2007---
• Librarian; Dave Silverberg 2012-
• Temporary Librarian: Will Plotner
• Registration Image Coordinator; Neil Houghton 2011---
• Sales: Pocklington, Nancy and Irv

Although Dorothy Howard carried the first official title of Librarian her task was not archiving but filling orders for library publications. Larry Harder as historian maintained the Library archive. Dorothy was followed by C.J. Lack then Irv & Nancy Pocklington and Later John Ludi and the task was known as the Storefront. The Library was a research tool for many publications with could be considered part of Library functions.

Timeline:

• 1920 AIS founded
• 1928: First Official Library "Bertrand Farr Library"

• 1935 Wister's library history fist 15 years

• 1945

• 1956: Central Office established at Missouri Botanical Gardens
• 1957: Appointment of Executive Secretary, Cliff Benson. Offices of AIS moved from Missouri Botanical Gardens?

• 1966 Peckham materials in Library
• 1969; Statement about Library

• 1976 Larry Harder named historian
• 1977 motion to create A Librarian or similarly titled member, to be responsible for handling old Bulletins and other publications
• 1978
• 1979

• 1980 hybridizing notebook of Geddes Douglas for placement in the archives
• 1981
• 1982
• 1983

• 1992 Oct 1992 287 85 The AIS Library Project Library
• 1996 Library moved to Silverton, Oregon 300 p84
• July 1996 302 20 AIS Library Progress Update Evelyn Jones Library
• 1996 July 302, p20. Evelyn Jones and Larry Harder
• 1996; 300 84 AIS Library Contract Library
• Jan 1998 308 27 AIS Library Progress Report Keith McNames Library
• Jan 1999 312 44 AIS Library 1999 Update Keith McNames Library

• 2000
• 2002 Keith McNames accepts library in new location; Silverton City Hall.
• 2003 In 2003 there were four positions dealing with information archiving:
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006 McNames leaves: New librarian Tracy Plotner
• 2007 A Note from the AIS Library
• 2008 A Note from the AIS Library; Introducing Tracy Plotner
• 2009 Library Update Tracy Plotner; News from the Library Tracy Plotner

• 2010 Library Request Tracy Plotner: A Traveling Library - 82 years ago Tracy Plotner Library
• 2011 Library committee chartered
• 2012 Tracy Plotner librarian resigns: Dave Silverberg named Librarian
• 2013 April/May 2013 369 11 AIS Library is now located at the following location
• 2014 Librarian; Dave Silverberg
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019

• 2020
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023
• 2024

• ####; Mission of the Online Library
• ####; Will Plotner interim librarian
• ####: Hager/DuBose Trust to create an Iris Library
• ####; Library moved to Mollala, Oregon

Expanded timeline notes and references

1920

1928

Betrand Farr Memorial Library

1935

See Wister's history of the library, first 15 years

1956

Central Office established at Missouri Botanical Gardens with Executive Secretary Cliff Benson. In Bulletin #140 page 42 "The Board directed the Secretary to dispose of the excess books in the Farr Memorial Library and to add the others to the permanent iris book library in the Office of the Secretary."

1945

1957

Bulletin #144, page 2 "The next step taken was to hire a full time Executive Secretary. We have a young man in the Society who is eminently qualified for this job. He is well trained in office routine, and as a prominent member in Region 18, is widely known as an hybridizer of fine irises. As a result the Board unanimously elected Mr. Clifford Benson of St. Louis, Missouri, Secretary of the Society effective January I, 1957. In the same action the Board of Directors approved the moving of the Central Office to the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. The Directors of this very fine botanical garden have been most generous with their offers of assistance. We hope to have the Central Office moved and operating at this new location by February 1. The possibilities that arise out of the relocation of the Central Office in this fine garden are fabulous. There could develop here one of the important iris centers of the nation and certainly the hub of iris interest and information. It is expected that Mr. Benson, in the new office, will handle all of the matters connected with the Secretary’s Office in the past and will in addition be in a position to assist the various committee chairmen with their projects where we do not already have executive directors for this purpose. Further, we are in hopes that the activities of the Society will continue to expand and that some time will be available for the Secretary to promote the American Iris Society among non-member iris lovers throughout the nation. It is well to give a word of warning at this point. Mr. Benson will only be able to do some of the work that needs to be done. We have secured him to help where he is needed, but the Society belongs to the membership and it will grow only as the membership grows and participates. Thus the Society will be what you members make it."

1966

Bulletin #182, page 75 "She was a woman of many interests—athletics, music, painting, and botany. Her paintings and copper plates of irises, many of which are priceless, have been added to the historical exhibits and files of the American Iris Society. It is the hope of many of us that shortly we may have a place in which these historical treasures may be exhibited properly. These, together with her collection of old catalogues and books, dating back many years, and of bibliographical material which she collected, perhaps are the most complete historical treasures the Society has."--From Ethel Ansom Peckham memorial.

1969

" LIBRARY :The Society maintains a library, in which is stored many priceless historical documents of the Society. One of the very significant ones is the typewritten copy of Dr. John Wister’s history of the first fifteen years of the Society. Papers and pictures of historical or scientific significance, old catalogs, speeches recorded on tape and a variety of memorabilia about iris and iris personalities are stored here, and more is being sought to complete the story of the history of The American Iris Society, famous members and the early irises. Speed the day when the Society has its own building to display this historic material and make it available to the public."---Bulletin #192 page 65. Between 1965 and 1969 the AIS Bulletins did not name a Librarian but had an historian. Historian: Mrs. C. E. McCaughey, 5720 N.W. 36th St., Oklahoma City, Okla., 73122. Library functions it seems were part of the Executive Secretary's responsibilities. And there was also a separate slide librarian; Robert Schreiner in 1969.

1976

Presidents desk "Thanks to Helen McCaughey who initiated the program and served well in the capacity of Historian. Thanks also to the chairmen of standing committees who agreed to continue with thei-r assignments and to Larry Harder, Chairman of the Historical Committee".page 71 "Historian McCaughey thanked all RVPs for their fine cooperation in providing materials for the AIS historical files through the years and mentioned that currently all items for the historical files are being accepted by AIS Headquarters in St. Louis. Mrs. McCaughey submitted her resignation as Historian and recommended Mr. Larry L. Harder, Ponca, Nebraska, as her successor. Upon the request that the two items be separated, Mr. Jones moved and Mrs. Crumpler seconded that Mrs. McCaughey ’s resignation be accepted and that Mr. Harder be included among the appointments to be made later. Motion passed."page 2 "The historical files of the Society have been moved from Oklahoma City to the Ponca Public Library in Nebraska. When it became apparent after the loss of her husband that smaller living quarters would be more suitable and eventually utilized, Mrs. C. E.!Mc-Caughey, known to all as Helen, resigned as Historian and Chairman of the Historical Committee, but remains on the Board as an elected Director. Helen had urged Dr. L. F. Randolph, then AIS President, and the Board of Directors to acquire all the early and historically significant papers, documents, records, pictures, etc. that were available as the Society approached its fiftieth anniversary. She immediately was appointed Historian and began the task that has resulted in the preservation of many important records since the formation of the Society. As Chairman of the Historical Committee Helen organized a group of interested members who aided her in the acquisition of valuable materials for the files. One of the members of the committee, Larry Harder, has taken over as Chairman and he arranged for the collection to be housed in the Ponca Library and was personally responsible for transporting the truck load of files to Nebraska. Several years ago the Board decided that there would be only one Historian and that her successors would be chairmen. A salute is proposed for the one and only AIS Historian, Helen McCaughey, in recognition of a brilliant concept that she brought into material being."

1977

Central Office with paid Executive Secretary Cliff Benson discontinued after 20 years of service. Financial losses in last 3 years precipitated eliminating paid secretarial staff in favor of volunteers. Secretary was given board voting rights, and other tasks were devied out such as Librarian. Slide chairman at this time was D C Nearpass (https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/252069#page/55/mode/1up] "Historical Chairman Harder reported on the gathering, storing, and cataloging of the Society’s papers of historical interest, the need and search for monies to finance the project, and on the ultimate use of the files. Mr. Harder discussed the feasibility of lending materials, providing copying services, and other ideas. The Board expresses a serious interest and it was suggested that as soon as Mr. Harder had a firm proposal, he should present it to the Board." from Bulletin #224 "Mr. Wolford moved, Mr. Jones seconded, that AIS return to the 1956 secretarial setup with elimination of the position of Executive Secretary . and a Central Office by March 1, 1977, if possible. A lengthy discussion followed, during which additional recommendations of the Executive Committee were presented that in abolishing the office of Executive Secretary and Central Office, the duties would be divided as follows: a) A Secretary from the Board, an elected Director, with a vote and serving without salary, to discharge the duties of Secretary as set forth in the AIS bylaws Article VII, Section 4.; b) A Membership Secretary who would be paid not more than the Editor to maintain the member¬ ship records and billings; c) A Chairman, either the Exhibitions Chairman or other person, to handle show supplies; and d) A Librarian or similarly titled member, to be responsible for handling old Bulletins and other publications"--- from #224, page 74. Dorothy Howard appointed Librarian Board Minutespage 19-20 "Notes from Your Historical Committee Larry L. Harder, Chairman With great regret the AIS Board of Directors accepted Helen McCaughey’s resignation from her post as AIS Historian. Helen was the first appointee and has been the only person to hold the position since its inception under the presidency of Dr. L. F. Randolph. In the years since, Helen devoted tremendous amounts of time and effort to acquire a vast amount of material for the AIS Historical Files. Following my appointment, last November, as Chairman of the AIS Historical Committee, my first job was to consider how to get all the historical materials from Oklahoma to Ponca, Nebraska. Conveniently, the opportunity arose in January when my office sent me to a training school in Norman, Oklahoma. After the school was finished, I rented a huge truck (a sixteen-foot box), and then we about killed ourselves getting everything loaded. What a job! And without experience at driving a truck of that size, the trip was an “historical” experience for me. Destination was the Ponca Public Library, in which I had been given permission to house the materials. The building is within half a block from my home, so I knew I would have easy access to the files and that they would be cared for in safety. Everything now is at the library, and I am busy looking through box after box to see what has been donated to the American Iris Society. It is most exciting to discover all of W. A. Payne’s records and medals; to go through the papers of Ethel Anson Peckham; to read the early history of AIS as written by our first President, Dr. John Wister; to find that we have all the papers of Dr. Randolph from the period in which he served as President of the Society; and to see written in his own hand the hybridizing records of Carl Salbach—just to mention a sampling of the items at which I’ve looked. I can greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who have donated books and catalogues to the collection. Randomly looking, I found we have received catalogues from Hubert Fischer, Zip and Iris Smith, Mrs. Sapp, and a great number from Lloyd and Gladys Austin; these are in addition to Mrs. Peckham’s historic collection of old catalogues which forms the backbone of the collection. Regional publications of all sorts, publications from all the specialty iris societies, newsletters and yearbooks from a great many local and state societies, show schedules, newspaper clippings, magazines that carried articles about irises—a whole exciting realm of iris literature has been donated so that AIS might have a permanent record of the development (and developers) of our favorite flower.As valuable and exciting as all these materials are, we can’t allow ourselves to become complacent, thinking that our “history” up to this point is completely documented. Records from the past still are fragmentary, and many potentially valuable materials have yet to be donated. And history, although connoting the past, really is an ongoing and cumulative process: what is happening now will be tomorrow’s history. It is my hope, therefore, that all iris lovers will be on the watch for more materials to add to our files. It would be a great satisfaction to know that someday we might have hybridizers’ records, note books, etc. in our files so that future irisarians could have access to such valuable information—the hows and whys behind their accomplishments. We also will be grateful to commercial growers for sending us copies of annual catalogues so that we can keep the catalogue file up to date. We extend our thanks, too, to all of the Regions, clubs, and specialty groups for donations of their publications, and urge them to continue those contributions so that the information contained therein will be on hand for future reference. AIS historical files have begun; with persistence we shall keep adding and adding—as we have plenty of space in the library. Please continue, you AIS members, to be as generous with your present committee as you were with Helen. And Helen, we salute you and your tireless efforts on behalf of the American Iris Society. Irisarians of the years to come will treasure this storehouse of information that had its genesis under your care and direction."

1978

page 59 "Librarian Howard distributed the publications inventory, revised to October 1977. Mrs. Howard reported that since assuming her duties in March, sales had totaled $4,184; that because of recent postage increases, the minimum charge had been raised to 300; that a full set of AIS Bulletins was now in the Historical Committee files and an almost complete set in the AIS Library; and that all items on consignment had been returned and were included in the inventory. A discussion concerned binding of two complete sets of AIS Bulletins which had been authorized by a previous Board but apparently never completed. Mrs. Owen moved, Mr. Wolford seconded, that two complete sets of Bulletins be bound, one for the Historical Committee files, and one for the AIS Library. Motion passed.The Board discussed the possibility of including postage charges in the price of each publication, and that the matter of listing Library items at a postpaid price be investigated. Dr. Cosgrove discussed reciprocal memberships as they have existed in the past, and now exist, between the AIS and overseas Societies, and that these mainly consist of an exchange of publications. Because this arrangement has been somewhat neglected in recent years, the Board agreed that such arrangements be pursued and updated. It was pointed out that a number of these publications are on file in our Library now and all future such issues will be placed there. Dr. Harvey asked if there was an arrangement whereby members could borrow periodicals or any policy regarding borrowing any Library item. A discussion followed and Board members agreed that this had not previously come up and no policy existed, and the Board reacted favorably to such an arrangement as a possible new service for the members. President Cosgrove asked Librarian Howard to appoint and chair a committee to work with her at arriving at a formal definition of lending materials from the AIS Library, covering bound articles, rare books, and periodicals.page 60 "Historical Chairman Harder reported two noteworthy additions to the file: The manuscript copy of Wilma Vallette’s book Iris Culture and Hybridizing for Everyone, donated by George Bryant, and a complete set of The Dwarf Iris Portfolio, donated by Elsie Zuercher, and expressed the thanks of the Society. Mr. Harder stated that the iris prints, at $10.00 a set, would be advertised for sale through the AIS Library; that 16 sets had been sold to date; and that it was estimated there were approximately 500 copies of each print. Additionally Mr. Harder advised that Harriet Segessemann had expressed a willingness to begin the project to index the AIS Bulletin. Judges and Judges Training Chairman Mullin reported on the judges’ activities, training, and performance in 1977; that those regions with well defined judges training programs have far fewer problems with their accredited judges"77 "Librarian Howard reported that Library sales for the first half of the fiscal year amounted to $3,506, including $1,826 for The World of Irises; that the Library had received generous donations from the Median Iris Society; that all original reference materials used for The World of Irises had been sent by Editor Warburton and were in fireproof storage; and that the members of the committee studying the development of a Library lending policy are Mrs. Dasch, Mr. Mullin, and Mrs. Warburton."

1979

page 65-66 "Librarian Howard distributed an updated inventory, and reported that sales for the second half of the fiscal year amounted to $5,313, including $3,907 for The World of Irises, and $76.50 for iris print sales handled for the Historical Committee. Howard further reported that the ad for publications has been revised for the Winter Bulletin, with all prices now including postage and handling. Responding to Howard’s request for direction in proceeding with the binding of the Librarian’s set of the Bulletin, Stahly moved, Corlew seconded, that the Librarian receive bids and submit them to th Executive Committee. Motion passed. The Board directed that the set belonging to the Historical files be sent on a temporary loan basis to the office of the AIS Secretary, recognizing that such a temporary transfer is made possible because of Historical Chairman Harder’s generosity in having available his personal set of the Bulletin for historical file use.The Librarian recommended that the Board consider a price increase for The World of Irises and set a discount for book dealers and agents. Rockwell moved, Corlew seconded, that the price of The World of Irises be raised to $15.00 effective immediately for non-members; effective with the release of the Winter 1979 Bulletin for AIS members; and that a 20% discount be authorized for dealers based on the $15.00 price. Motion passed.page 69 "Public Relations Chairman Rice, reporting for her committee, members Lee Eberhardt, Koza, Ruth Schulz, and Rockwell, recommended that the following projects be initiated:

• 1) With the purpose of supplying the American Iris Society with illustrations of excellence and variety, the setting up of a photography contest for black and white pictures. All entries would become the property of the AIS, not returnable. Directors or officers of the AIS and their families not eligible to enter.
• 2) National file for qualified speakers on the genus iris, with the purpose of supplying reliable growing data; to be located in the office of the Librarian.
• 3) To expand writing on the genus iris, production of a promotion package for garden writers, designed to produce reliable information.
• 4) To have publicity suggestions available in the office of the Librarian for societies needing such flyers. These should be very low budget and as practical as possible.

Rice further reported that it is planned to focus on the Iris, not to the Society, feeling that the iris itself will lead the gardeners into the society. Corlew moved, Dasch seconded, to adopt the recommendations of the committee report. Motion passed. The Board encouraged Chairman Rice to explore expanding the scope of the committee.""For Slides Chairman Nearpass, Wolford reported that new slide sets included the San Jose convention slides and a Huntsville preview; that other sets are being updated; especially thanked Adolph Vogt, Keith Keppel, James Burch, and Region 14 for contributions of slides; and advised that slides income continues greater than expenses"

1980

page 82 "Historical Chairman Harder expressed his need to have more people involved with historical affiars; that he would like to contact people who have this interest; that help from those knowledgeable in the field of preserving valuable records would be welcome; and that anyone knowing the whereabouts of important iris records should contact him. New acquisitions included Georgia Hinkle's hybridizing records and library. Harder advised that some award medals in the AIS collection may now have significant monetary value, and the Board directed Chairman Harder to assure temporary safe keeping of the medals, and consult with the Executive Committee concerning appraisal and permanent disposition. Nelson, on behalf of Phil Edinger, presented Harder with the hybridizing notebook of Geddes Douglas for placement in the archives. It was noted that this unique document contains not only the Douglas hybridizing records, but also those of several of his contemporaries, information not published elsewhere."page 53 "Historical Chairman Harder reported on recent additions to the archives, with special thanks to Mrs. William Ayers, Jean Witt, Rosabelle Van Valkenburgh and Bee Warburton; noted that two new file cabinets had been added bringing to 25 the number of drawers now filled and sorted; that he was asking the RVPs to contact members who would be interested in assisting with the work of the committee; and that he was very interested in acquiring slides of irises introduced in the 1940's and 1950's."

1981

1982

1983

1992

page 106 "There was discussion, initiated by Mahan, concerning the idea of a permanent library to preserve the reference and archival material now owned by the AIS and also that which might come to the Society later. Mahan stated that this is a particular concern of the Historical Iris Preservation Society. Mahan was asked to pursue the matter further with HIPS and bring it back to the Board at a later meeting. There was discussion, also, of the need for a new book from the American Iris Society. Jean Witt and Clarence Mahan volunteered to take on the job as co-editors of such a publication. On motion by Niswonger, seconded by Jones, the Board voted unanimously to accept the offer of Witt and Mahan to begin this project and authorized them to proceed."https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/252585#page/347/mode/1up"Historical Committee Chairman Harder reported that the City of Ponca, Nebraska, has asked the AIS to find other storage space for its historical material and records. Lengthy discussion followed, and Harder was asked to look for temporary space until the Board decides on a final solution. In discussion it was established that the historical materials stored in Ponca are the AIS Archives and that the books and publications stored by Publication Sales Director Lack in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are the AIS Library. Harder distributed copies of inventory received in the years 1991 and 1992. He asked members to send him catalogs, articles, books, newsletters, etc., etc., and he stressed the importance of getting these materials into one place so that they will not be lost."page 89 "Waite called on Mahan, as president of the Historic Iris Preservation Society, to discuss HIPS’ concern

• for a permanent library for the AIS. This subject had been discussed briefly at the fall Board meeting. Mahan described the idea which had grown in HIPS to the point where, without solicitation, money had been donated to HIPS for a library; such funds are being held in a special account. Mahan had appointed Mike Lowe to chair a committee within HIPS to pursue the idea and come up with a proposal, which Lowe presented to the Board at this time. The HIPS Board had modified this proposal the evening before and made a list of recommendations. Following these recommendations, Mahan moved that:
• 1. The President of the AIS appoint a Library Endowment Fund Committee consisting of the current members of the HIPS Board of Directors, such appointments to be for a two-year period.
• 2. Further, that the committee be empowered to establish as AIS Library Endowment Fund and to incur reasonable costs incidental thereto.
• 3. Further, that the committee be authorized to use the AIS Bulletin to solicit proposals from AIS Regions and/or Affiliates for the location of a permanent AIS Library building, and that the criteria for selection of the best proposal be published with the solicitation.
• 4. Further, that the committee be empowered to select the permanent AIS Library site, subject to final approval by the AIS Board.
• 5. Further, that the Board empower Larry Harder to offer officials of Ponca, Nebraska, the sum of $2,500 to permit the AIS archives to remain in the Ponca Library basement one year more, with the understanding that a diligent and good faith effort will be made by the AIS to move the AIS archives as soon as practicable after the AIS Board meeting in the spring of 1993. Niswonger seconded the motion. Waite called for a lunch break until 1:30 p.rn., and the motion was tabled until that time.

Resuming discussion after lunch, Mahan stated that any rules set up must be approved by the AIS Board. Niswonger moved that the motion be amended to add at the end of recommendation #2, “not to exceed $1,000. ” Mahan seconded. The amendment was approved. In further discussion, the question of the control of funds was raised. Mahan moved that the motion be further amended by adding recommendation #6, “Further, that no monies collected into the AIS Library Endowment Fund or interest accruing therefrom may be expended until such time as the AIS Board authorizes such expenditures. ” Niswonger seconded. The amendment was approved. The question was called and the amended motion was passed. It was stated that donations for the AIS Library Endowment Fund should come to Secretary Stayer and also that Stayer will consult with Attorney Glenn Spain about the establishment of the A1S Library Endowment Fund. Members of the HIPS Board of Directors to be named to the Library Endowment Fund Committee are Mahan, Larry Doucette, Joan Verwilst, Verona Wiekhorst, Dr. Arthur Tucker, Dave Silverberg, Cameron Hall, Doug Goodnight, Scott Kunst and Riley Probst."

1996

Bulletin 2003 Keith McNames wrote "Then at the 1994 National Convention in Portland, Oregon, I found where I would retire to, and that was Salem, Oregon, otherwise known as “IRIS HEAVEN.” By the winter of 1996 I had found my property, just one mile down the road from Schreiner’s Gardens, and I officially moved into Iris Heaven. Shortly thereafter I was asked to join Evelyn Jones’ AIS Library staff, and when she passed away I took over her duties as AIS Librarian. It took many hours of many days, but eventually all materials were out of boxes, filed away, and placed on a computer database.

2000

Boehm Porcelain Iris #6 2000 Spring That the Boehm Porcelain Iris be sent to the AIS Library for permanent display. Library Index of AIS Library #25 2000 Spring That the AIS Library Index in searchable form placed on the Mallorn database site.

2002

Bulletin #324 Page 96-97 "• Mahan reported that Walter and Sara Marley have volunteered to drive to the home of Larry Harder in Ponca, Nebraska, assist his family in assembling and packing items belonging to AIS, and transport this material to Librarian McNames in Salem, Oregon. Marleys have requested that AIS reimburse them for expenses incurred one way. Epperson moved that the trip costs one-way be underwritten by AIS; M. Lowe seconded. Carried. Mahan noted that McNames will determine which items are appropriate for placement in the Library and which ones might be donated to the AIS Silent Auction. • Mahan reported that the Boehm porcelain iris traditionally in possession of the AIS President, in accordance with the directive of the Board, was shipped to the AIS Library during the summer. Although a reputable professional packer was used, the iris was broken when it arrived in Oregon. Mahan cited difficulties he and McNames are encountering in trying to collect the insurance. He stated that he will continue to pursue this matter." Bulletin pages21-24 The move to Silverton City Hall.

2003

In 2003 there were four positions dealing with information archiving:Historical Resource: Anne Lowe, Blackstone, VA 23824; Library: Keith McNames, Salem, OR 97303; New Historical Chronicles: Clarence Mahan, McLean, VA 22101; Slides: Bill Mull, Norfolk, VA 23518-4435;Bull. # 330Library: "Chair McNames’ report was distributed. All incoming materials are being inventoried on the computer and filed properly. Ongoing projects remain the inventorying of the Foreign Section and completing Individual Biographical information. The AIS Library currently receives bulletins from the British, Danish, French, New Zealand, and Russian iris societies."page 84 A. J. Plank explained The Claire B. Barr Library Endowment Fund. The purpose of this Fund will be to develop an endowment for improving the existing Library facilities providing financial aide for above and beyond monthly expenses such as telephone and electricity, etc. Nine Hundred dollars has been received from donations which began arriving shortly after Claire Barr’s death in January 2003. A special committee of J. Plank as Chairman, Mahan, R. Plank, Epperson, Hudson, and McNames will meet to set up guidelines and formulate the fund. A report will be given at the Fall Board Meeting.

2004

Library Surplus items from the AIS library for the convention silent auction #14 2004 Spring That the list of surplus items from the AIS Library for the convention silent auction be approved.

2005

Library space for five years in Silverton #18 2005 Spring That the Board approve the contract negotiated by K. McNames for the Library in Silverton.

2006

Bull. 340 Reported that in 2005 the Claire Barr Library endowment had reached $1695 and the library fund contained $1,003. Page 102"AIS Foundation Donations Contributions to the American Iris Society Foundation are used for the research of the genus iris, administration of scholarships and the support of the AIS Library through the Evelyn Jones Memorial Library Fund. This research includes the taxonomy as well as the cause of diseases and their cures. Over the years, grants have been issued to the top researchers and educational institutions throughout the world." page 7 Presidents message "by Jeanne Clay Plank, California personal note about Keith McNames, the AIS Library, and Tracy Plotner: At the Spring Board meeting in Portland, Keith McNames announced plans to move to Costa Rica and submitted his resignation as AIS Librarian. His retirement began in July. Keith served as AIS Librarian for more than nine years, taking over from Evelyn Jones when Evelyn’s health failed. When Keith took over, the AIS Library was still new and in the unpacking stage; a jumble of miscellaneous records, books, papers, photos, and iris artifacts gathered from hither and yon. After weeding out duplications and irrelevant items of all sorts, Keith organized, cataloged, and computerized the remaining material, integrated new material, and produced an archival library that could efficiently reference AIS records. Over the years he selected duplicate items from the Library’s inventory, and with Board approval, offered these items to the annual AIS Silent Auction, earning thousands of dollars for Library support. Keith was consistently pleasant, patient, thorough, and always available to serve those seeking information from the Library. Luckily for AIS, his replacement, Tracey Plotner, has already shown her ability to serve with the same high standards set by her predecessor. Keith insists he will be returning annually for Spring conventions. Nonetheless he will be missed as part of “here-at-home-voices.” Bon Voyage, Keith - Welcome Tracy!" "AIS Library Update / by Tracy Plotner, Oregon
Are you aware that the American Iris Society has a library / 1 located in Silverton, Oregon? This is not a conventional library # % that you can walk in and visit at any time; it is a resource library. In our library there is much printed matter regarding the American Iris Society, its hybridizers, the individual regions and sections of AIS, and of course the iris itself. It is very important that you copy the library on club newsletters, regional bulletins, convention booklets, or anything else that might be of future use to someone gathering information. These materials are catalogued and filed in the library. If you are an editor, please send two (2) printed copies of your newsletter to the AIS Library. Please think about the library when you are through with old Bulletins, books, or other materials of interest. The library is in need of some of the earliest issues of the AIS Bulletin. This is a legacy that we leave to future generations of irisarians. If you need information detailing past articles or materials concerning the iris, contact Tracy Plotner, the new AIS Librarian by email at aislibrary@molalla.net or snail mail at PO Box 250, Molalla, OR 97038-0250.

2007

Bull #344 page 23 Sidney?. DuBose (1922 - 2006) - DuBose, 84, of Stockton, CA, was a long-time iris and daffodil grower and hybridizer and co-owner of Melrose Gardens with the late Ben Hager. Winner of the 1960 Debaillon Award for 'Amethyst Star’ (Louisiana iris) and the 1977 Morgan Award for ‘Vi Luihn' (Siberian iris). Recipient of the American Daffodil Society Gold Medal in 2000 for his then 30-year daffodil hybridizing accomplishments. The AIS Foundation is the sole beneficiary of the Sidney R DuBose Trust, the specific purpose of which is to support an Iris Library, in trust, as a memorial to DuBose and Hager.",page 23 "The Missoula Iris Society published a 69-page historical booklet in the summer of 2006, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the local Society in Missoula, Montana, and a 25-year celebration of our public display garden at Fort Missoula…....Two copies of the historical booklet have been donated to the AIS Library". page 97 Appointment of Tracy Plotner as the AIS Library Chair page 80 Library Donations: Tracy Plotner, AIS Librarian: I would like to thank several people who are responsible for recent donations of materials to the AIS Library First of all, Clarence Mahan, who generously donated two copies of his new book, entitled “Classic Irises and the Men and Woman Who Created Them”. Lorraine Miller of Quincy, Washington, in Region 13 graciously donated her collection of AIS Bulletins. Also, Keith Keppel for various printed catalogs from the past. Finally, the daughter of Rosalie Figge for her donation of old convention booklets and various iris checklists in the name of her departed mother. Your donations are all appreciated and will become part of the history contained in the AIS Library."page 12 "A note,front th& ATS Library Please keep the library in mind when you are ready to discard books, iris materials, or awards. Clubs and regions should not forget to send the library your newsletters (two copies would be preferred). Every week we get requests for copies of materials from past publications. The library still does not have a complete set of AIS Bulletins especially of the early editions. Your help is needed in this area. This has been an exciting year for the library. We have been fortunate to have received many collections of catalogs, books, and awards from several donations. The biggest collection by far was the books and items from the Ben Hager & Sid DeBose estate. But we have also collected materials from the estate of Walter & Audrey Machulack, Awards of Dr. Rudolph Kleinsorge, Color plate artwork (20” X 27”) of the irid plant species of Italy by Anne Eldredge Maury and edited by Maretta Colasante, and various donations of AIS Bulletins. Thank you everyone for your kind donations. Tracy Plotner AIS Library."3349, PAGE 23 "AIS Foundation Donations Contributions to the American Iris Society Foundation are used for the research of the genus iris, administration of scholarships and the support of the AIS Library through the Evelyn Jones Memorial Library Fund. This research includes the taxonomy as well as the cause of diseases and their cures. Over the years, grants have been issued to the top researchers and educational institutions throughout the world." *Seeds of Online Library* At fall board meeting motion "That the AIS investigate a photo wiki for AIS members on the members only section of the AIS Website." (this was the beginning of efforts to create the Iris Encyclopedia and Online Library} See Wiki History

2008

#349,page 67 "A Note, from the ATS Librarian; By Tracy Plainer, Oregon, our reference library grows with new materials every few months. Thanks go to Jim and Vicki Craig, Roger Mazur, and Jerry Oswalt for the most recent donations. Your thoughts and consideration for the library are so greatly appreciated. The library is a repository of articles, newsletters, awards, and books about and from iris people from all realms of the iris world. This is why it is so extremely important that your club send newsletters to the library whenever printed. Someday, somewhere, someone might need or want to know about information in that publication. As a recent example, some of the information gained for the 50 th Anniversary Median Iris publication was gleaned from materials in the library. Information for a future publication containing history of the Dwarf Iris Society is being written at this time. Our library likes to keep two copies of most items. It’s not a problem if you happen to donate books or materials that the library already has. The excess materials are donated to the AIS Silent Auction held yearly at the convention. In that way these materials help support the library in supplies such as copy paper, ink, and postage as well as give the opportunity for other AIS members to purchase them. It is your reference library - please help support it by donating materials of interest. Contact: Tracy Plotner"page 80 "Introducing Tracy Ptotner I have been a member of our local chapter GREATER PORTLAND IRIS SOCIETY for many years. I have held the office of Secretary, Vice President and President. I currently am the REGION 13 Membership Chair and caretaker of the AIS Library. The AIS Library is located in the heart of iris country, Silverton, Oregon. It is a research library only. We collect all items of interest from breeding records, medals and trophies, pictures, garden catalogues, books and papers. These are kept and collected for future generations. It is our hope that sometime in the future a building of our own can be either leased or purchased. When that happens we can then open the library to the public. I first became aware of iris when my husband Will, started bringing home starts from a local hybridizer Chet Tompkins. Soon we had a yard and then some full of iris and more appearing all the time. I started going to meetings at the local chapter with Will and soon wanted to be a judge. I had the fortune of being recruited by Marky Smith, a wonderful friend, and teacher, who at that time was Region 13 Vice President. As they say it went on from there. Our nursery, Wildwood Gardens, has been on tour several times for National Convention in Portland. We have also been on tour for Region 13 events, and the Japanese and Siberian-Species Conventions in recent years. We have about 1,500 varieties including Species, Siberians, Japanese, Medians, and Tall bearded. We also include an extensive collection of daylilies. Our collections grow in size yearly. All throughout our busy schedules I also find time to work on Family Genealogy and hold down a full time plus job working for a local hospital. I have my eyes on retirement in several years,"page 94 Foundation: Roger Mazur’s report stated the need for a joint ad hoc committee to discuss how to best use the new money for the funding of the AIS Library. President Epperson appointed Jeanne Clay Plank, Jill Bonino, and himself to represent the AIS Board on this ad hoc committee."

2009

2010

At Spring 2010 board meeting, *Pries moved and Gormley seconded: **That the AIS create the Iris Encyclopedia; an information resource in a wiki format which allows registered users to upload comments and photos. These pages are verified by knowledgeable docents who create and or monitor pages for accuracy. The rock on which this data is built is the registrations created by the International Registrar. And that the Wiki always be viewable freely and universally. Motion carried. This set the stage for an online library section where references were stored.Library - Tracy Plotner was not in attendance. Keisling reported that the Planks have located a new site in Silverton, Oregon for the AIS Library to be possibly moved to. The Planks gave a slide presentation of the current site and also the possible new location. A formal request for a move, will be presented at the fall board meeting. At fall 2010 board meeting: Library - Chair Tracy Plotner was not present and did not send in a report. Friday morning, members of the Board visited the current library site and also a possible new site. President Keisling noted that more studies need to be done before a decision on a move to a different AIS Library site can be made. President Keisling asked Bonino to chair a committee to further study this proposal.

2011

Foundation AIS Foundation/AIS to support AIS Library #26 2011 Spring That the AIS Foundation and the AIS shall form a joint advisory committee for the support and development of AIS Library activities and the development of sources for AIS Library fundingLibrary - Chair Tracy Plotner was not in attendance, but her report indicated that the library is running out of storage space.Minutes 2011 "*Deaton moved and Jones seconded: **That the Committee's recommendations listed below regarding the guidelines for the submission of digital images accompanying iris registrations and the creation of a Registration Image Coordinator be adopted by the AIS **GUIDELINES FOR THE SUBMISSION OF DIGITAL IMAGES ACCOMPANYING IRIS REGISTRATIONS Mission Statement: To create a reference library of images associated with fully completed registrations received from the AIS Registrar-Recorder. The images should function primarily as augmentation of cultivar descriptions and secondarily as a resource for AIS promotion. Guidelines for Image Submission. *Registrants are requested to submit images with registration. Highest quality digital images in jpeg format (4x6-300 dpi or medium setting on the camera-Higher Resolution is preferred and not to exceed 600 or 1200 dpi). *Once the registrant receives approval for their name requested, images should be labeled as follows: YYreg.number, iris name_hybridizer_registration ….....see link for details and creation of *REGISTRATION IMAGE COORDINATOR.

2012

Library Peckham signed copy 1939 checklist #16 2012 Spring That the Peckham signed copy of the 1939 Check List remain in the AIS Library.

2013

Library Creation of an Accession policy #10 2013 Fall That the Library Committee create an accession policy to be presented at the next Board meeting.

2014

page 6 "Library Committee directed to create an accession policy to be presented at the next board meeting" Librarian; Dave Silverberg;7. *Pries moved and Grigg seconded: **That we move chapters from The World of Irises to the Encyclopedia. Motion carried by a vote of 11-1: 8. *White moved and Susan Boyce seconded: **That this catalog scanning project, as described in John’s proposal, is approved for forwarding to the AIS Foundation for their consideration for funding; and once the project is completed, that the products of these scans be made available to both the AIS and to the Iris Encyclopedia, and that the paper catalogs will then go to the AIS Library. Motion carried.

2015

Motions Online AIS Hager-Dubose Memorial Library #8 2015 Fall That the AIS Board recommend to the AIS Foundation that a section of the AIS Iris Encyclopedia be created as the Online AIS Hager – Dubose Memorial Library.AIS library named Hager-DuBose Memorial Library #11 2015 Spring That the AIS Library be named “The American Iris Society Hager-DuBose Memorial Library”

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Dec 17 Board meeting:NEW BUSINESS 6. Digital Program - Neil Houghton An electronic report is posted that notes the success of online judges training sessions and informational webinars. Neil suggested organizing and recording interviews with hybridizers. He applauded AIS for making a variety of digital resources available to regions and affiliate clubs. Regarding Zoom, Neil has prepared a training program to assist those who find it difficult to attend Zoom meetings. He discussed various pricing options offered by Zoom. AIS Board teleconference, Dec 16, 2020 page 3 Discussion: Neil will attempt to obtain a copy of the recording of the Barry Blyth, Joe Ghio and Keith Keppel seminar at the Portland Convention. Perhaps a Zoom interview or a webinar with the three of them could be arranged as a follow up to the seminar in Portland. Four science topics are being planned for the winter AIS webinars. Tentatively, two presentations in February by Dr. Carol Wilson and two presentations in March. Other topics suggested for future webinars: a panel discussion by iris historians, the use of irises over the last 2000 years and iris in literature and art.

2021

3. Electronic Services/Website - Wayne Messer Wayne posted an electronic report with a thorough study of the statistics for unique visitors, number of visits, pages, hits, and bandwidth. As of mid-October for the year 2021, there were 79,000 unique visitors making 135,000 visits with over five million hits. The number of visits to the website in May was more than 20,000 made by almost 13,000 unique visitors. By far, the most useful page on the website in October is gardeners/care [of bearded irises] with over 1400 views. The average visitor is on our website for 187 seconds. Since changing to the new website, a number of pages have been added: judges, volunteers, guest iris requests and the Centennial celebration. Wayne suggested the addition of a page for the AIS Library. A suggestion was to add links on the page for iris care to the section and cooperating societies. He suggested the addition of a page for the AIS Library. A suggestion was to add links on the page for iris care to the section and cooperating societies. The new website has been live for a little more than two years, which is 14 years in “internet time,” making it appropriate to give the website a thorough review. For example, making sure all the links work and that names and contact information of chairs and committees are up to date. Wayne suggested using volunteers to be in charge of the upkeep of various iris pages. He challenged everyone to review the website and send him suggestions of what else could be added to make the website more useful and appealing. 4. Library - Will Plotner (absent) and Bob Hollingworth An electronic report was posted with an update by Bob, Andi Rivarola and Gary White. The transition from a library operated with paper and pencil to electronic and digital presents major challenges. The purchase and installation of computers, printer, scanner, electronic storage, WIFI, and Internet are top priorities. Once set up, the next challenge will be to inventory the contents of the library and after that to begin digitizing and preserving the material. Slides need to be digitized. Medals, art works, and other non-paper items need to be preserved and possibly arranged into displays for use at conventions and other AIS events. Janet Smith has been scanning slides but it is unclear if an inventory of the slides and their scans exists and if so, where it is located. Andi’s photos and travelogue of the library and its contents emphasized the magnitude of these challenges. The library is located on the top floor of a commercial building in Molalla. It was recommended to continue the lease in this space for two years. There are numerous file cabinets filled with all sorts of material, e.g., catalogs, correspondence. Again, it was stressed how important an inventory of the library contents would be. Because the library is becoming electronic-based, it will be easier to list or post library content on the AIS wiki-encyclopedia. There was a request for the library to publish guidelines for receiving materials, including a method for people and families to donate personal materials, such as hybridizing diaries, to the library. The correct spelling is The Sidney P. DuBose and Ben R. Hager American Iris Society Memorial Library. The library is supported by the AIS Foundation. Members of the Library Committee are Jody Nolin, Andi Rivarola, Gary White, Bonnie Nichols, Jill Bonino, and the ad-hoc committee members are Bob Pries with Will Plotner. Will Plotner is also the temporary librarian and Bob Hollingworth is chair of the committee. Sept. 21. Hybridizer Stories - Doug Chyz Doug suggested that biographical or horticultural stories for or about each hybridizer should be included in the Iris Encyclopedia. This would be in addition to a list of their registered cultivars.15. Recording Equipment – Neil Houghton The purpose for this equipment is to make a high-quality video recording of interviews of people who have made significant contributions in hybridizing or to the AIS. Recordings on cell phones are fuzzy. Motion 5: to allocate $500 for Neil Houghton to purchase high quality recording equipment. Motion by Michelle Snyder and seconded by Howie Dash. Motion passed. Discussion: Neil would be in charge of the recording equipment: handling reservations to use the equipment and mentoring interviewers on its use. Hybridizers usually attend conventions, so obtaining and practicing the use of this equipment before the Las Cruces Convention is important. 15. 7. Website - Wayne Messer filed an electronic report According to the 2017 & 2018 Electronic Reports, goals were to make the website easy to update, to be mobile-responsive (look good on cell phones & computers), be integrated with social media and blogs, have a better integration of member services, be easy to navigate, have a search function for the Iris Encyclopedia, include sign-up forms for email lists. There are ten people who have editing privileges for the website, currently at 123 pages with over 700 documents and images. There are between five and six thousand visitors a month to the AIS website. Recent changes and additions to the website: links to regions and local clubs, and an update of AIS membership options. Discussion: Errors and broken links in the AIS website should be checked and repaired in a timely manner. A suggestion was that the each of the ten members of the Electronics Team be assigned to monitor a section of the AIS website for errors and out-of-date information and make appropriate corrections. In the future, names, AIS positions and contact information will be shared by Michelle Snyder with Jane Milliman for the Bulletin and Wayne Messer for the AIS website. It might be helpful to establish a timeline of changes of AIS positions (e.g., new RVPs, new directors) so these changes can be posted and published more expediently. Wayne proposed expanding the scope of the AIS website. For example, one of the AIS mission statements is to support the conservation of irises. He suggested that a page of information and hotlinks to HIPS, the Louisiana Iris Conservation Project, the Species Preservation Project, and other programs, some not even part of AIS, could be set up. It was suggested that directors and other Board members should periodically review the entire website with the objective of making a list of things to ADD to the website. Wayne’s summary of potential website actions: 1) Include conservation in the AIS website. 2) Use the AIS Vision Statements to add more website topics. 3) Form an Electronic Presence working group. 4) Identify ways to help regions, sections, affiliate clubs and other groups to increase their website presence. 5) Identify ways that would encourage discussion within AIS. Jody Nolin proposed establishing a new standing committee to address these website actions. A small group should begin by writing a charter to include membership, functions, and responsibilities. Membership might include the Electronics Committee people plus representatives from other online services such as the AIS Encyclopedia, webinars, social media, etc.

2022

NEW BUSINESS 14. Library - Bob Hollingworth & Andi Rivarola A digital report was posted. The inventory of items in the AIS Library continues to be a challenge. There are boxes and file cabinets containing mountains of papers, medals, hybridizing notes, photos, slides, disks, etc. that need to be cataloged. Decisions of what to keep or discard are difficult. Attempts to hire outside help have not been successful.Other issues being worked on include a search for a physical location for the AIS Library or section of the AIS Library where a posse of workers could volunteer, communication and cooperation between the Library and the AIS Encyclopedia (the Wiki), and with the British Iris Society. A suggestion was made to update the duties and requirements of the AIS librarian. Janet Smith has digitized many of the photographs and slides and next will be the task of making these available.AIS Zoom meeting, Nov 16, 2022 page 6 Andi presented the Search and Help-Wanted article that will be published in the next issue of IRISES: The Bulletin. Volunteers, a librarian, and/or an administrator are all needed to inventory, organize, and make available the items in the AIS Library. A physical location located closer to a hub of volunteers and with better access is also part of the search. A suggestion was to take this search to a university or college that offers a library science degree. Another suggestion was to find a group of people excited to work on this project."

2023

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