Charles Babbage Institute Archives

The Charles Babbage Institute Archives (CBIA) collects, preserves and provides access to rich archival collections and rare publications documenting the history of technology, from the era of electromechanical calculators, through the development of the digital computer, mainframes, mini and microcomputers, software, the Internet, and computer graphics.

Welcome

Oral histories, photographs, journal and serial publications complement the archival and special collections holdings.

CBIA is partnered with the Charles Babbage Institute (CBI) Research Center, part of the College of Science and Engineering's History of Science, Technology, and Medicine program.

The CBI Research Center historians design and administer research projects in the history of information technology and engage in original research that is disseminated through scholarly publications, conference presentations, and the CBI web site.

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Search the collections

Collection guides
Use collection guides (or finding aids) that describe a collection of archival records, personal papers, or manuscripts to locate material for your research. The guide may be a brief summary or a detailed description and inventory.
Digital collections
Search digitized images, films and videos, audio tapes, electronic publications, and select items from archival collections.
Libraries catalog
Explore the University of Minnesota Libraries catalog for information about rare and special books, periodicals, and other publications held by the CBI Archives.
Digital conservancy
Search for Oral Histories conducted by CBI historians in the University Digital Conservancy.

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Explore the Charles Babbage Institute Archives

Instruction

CBIA staff are available for class and group presentations, whether or not classes are affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Contact Amanda Wick, CBIA Interim Archivist for information.

Fund your research

Norberg Fellow visits and trending research topics in CBIA include Cold War computing, internet privacy and cybersecurity, social issues in computing, and computer graphics. Learn more about applying for a Norberg Travel Fellowship or a Tomash Fellowship.

Donor information

CBIA staff are happy to discuss the donation process for archival records, artifacts, and print materials. Please see our Collection Scope and Guide for Donors for more information.

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Visit

Hours
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Note: Appointments are required to visit the reading room within these hours.
More Andersen Library hours

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Give to the collection

The Charles Babbage Institute Archives collects, preserves, and provides open access to valuable records documenting the technical and social history of computing.

Learn more about how your financial donation in any amount will help us to expand our preservation and outreach activities.

Give to the collection

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