Introduction
Scope of the Collections
Finding Aids for Archive Collections
Jazz Research Resources
Online Reference Services
Visiting the Archive
Visitor Guidelines
How to get here
Donations to the Archive
Site Index

The Chicago Jazz Archive is one of the archival collections held in University of Chicago Library's Special Collections Research Center. Originally established in 1976 as a recording collection by the Visiting Committee to the Department of Music, the Archive was held in the Music section of the Library until 2007. It was originally intended to collect and preserve recordings from the late 1910s through the 1920s, documenting the emergence of the "Chicago style" of jazz made famous by the Austin High Gang and its contemporaries.

Since 1996 the Archive's mission has taken into account the ease with which musicians and influences travel, while remaining focused on musicians who were born here or spent significant creative time here. All jazz styles from oldest to newest are played in Chicago, and Archive collections reflect this diversity. More history of the Archive is available in the article entitled "All That Jazz" from the April, 2001 issue of the University of Chicago Magazine.

Jazz is documented at the Archive with oral histories; sound recordings in 78rpm, 45rpm, LP, wire, piano roll and CD formats; audio and video tapes; printed and manuscript parts for stock arrangements; piano sheet music; correspondence; research files; interviews; scrapbooks, photographs, books, periodicals, artwork, and realia. As collections are processed, finding aids are developed and are made available on the Special Collections Research Center website.

The Archive supports the research and instructional mission of the University in music, history, anthropology, and sociology, and provides reference services to academic researchers all over the world via its website, electronic and standard mail, telephone, and research visits. In addition to academic patrons, users of Archive reference services include other jazz archives, museums, historical societies, city agencies, musicians, authors, jazz educators, filmmakers, radio and television producers, publishers, club owners, booking agents, jazz organizations, musicians' families, and the general public.

There is no charge to use the Archive, but patrons need to consult with the Curator to determine which collections hold materials relevant to their research needs. Materials do not circulate, and must be used under the supervision of the Curator or in the Special Collection Research Center Reading Room.