Joseph C. Muhler, D.D.S., hands out toothpaste samples to Bloomington schoolchildren (1952). *courtesy of the IU Archives (52-737)
The Indiana University Archives houses many special documents. To help students and researchers have better access, the Archives staff develops finding aids. Current MLS (Archives and Records Management Specialization) student Crystal Matjasic works at the IU Archives as a student employee. After processing the papers of Joseph Charles Muhler (one of the IU researchers that helped to develop Crest toothpaste), she also created the finding aid, which gives researchers a better understanding of the contents of the collection. Biographical information on Muhler is included - excerpt:
• "Born December 22, 1923 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Joseph Charles Muhler attended Indiana University from 1942 until 1944 when he was drafted into the Navy. After World War II, he returned to Indiana University through support of the Navy as a dental student…"
Dina Kellams (MLS'01) is an Associate Archivist with the IU Archives. She is also the sponsor of the SLIS Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists. Kellams sent the following announcement to the IU Libraries News (Volume 36, Issue 48 — December 11, 2009).
• Indiana University Archives Update:
The papers of Joseph Charles Muhler, 1919-1997, are housed in the University Archives. Check out the new finding aid for Joseph Muhler's papers: http://purl.dlib.indiana.edu/iudl/findingaids/archives/InU-Ar-VAB6924Joseph Charles Muhler papers, 1919-1997, Collection C356: Joseph C. Muhler was an assistant professor of chemistry at Indiana University from 1951 to 1972, and research professor of dental science and director of the School of Dentistry's Dental Research Institute from 1972 until his retirement in 1984. Muhler was the leader of the team that developed the original formula for Crest toothpaste in the 1950s, and his interests included that of preventative dentistry and its practices. The collection consists primarily of papers related to Dr. Muhler's research interests and his activities at IU, including original research, publications, correspondence, teaching files, student theses and materials relating to professional organizations. Records related to his Crest research are included in the collection. (25.2 cubic feet).
Related Link:
• SLIS offers an Archives and Records Management Specialization with the Master of Library Science degree. Phil Bantin, University Archivist, is the Director of the Specialization.
Posted January 11, 2010