The LBJ Library's collections of printed materials include a broad range of publications relating to the life and career of Lyndon B. Johnson and to American politics and history during the 20th century. The collections include books, serials, dissertations, theses, newspaper clippings, a vertical file, and special collections.
The library maintains an ongoing bibliographical project on writings about Lyndon B. Johnson. Lyndon B. Johnson, A Bibliography was published by the University of Texas Press in 1984, and Volume Two of the bibliography, with 5,000 additional citations, was published by the University of Texas Press in 1988.
This artifical collection consists of copies of materials from the LBJ Library holdings and a variety of outside sources, especially newspapers. The Reference File was assembled by LBJ Library archives' staff to bring together materials on topics of interest to researchers, and we continue to add materials to the file. While not technically an archival collection, researchers may view Reference File folders in our Reading Room.
The book collection contains several thousand volumes written about President Johnson, his administration, career, and family. Also included are works on contemporary national figures and events, books based on the library's resources, and pertinent reference works. All books are listed in the card catalog in the Reading Room.
Serials include microfilm copies of the New York Times (1932-1978), the Washington Post (1931-1969), the Washington Evening Star (1960-1969), the College Star (1926-1940), and the Texas Observer (1954-1977), and an incomplete bound set of Life (1936-1966). The library also has the New York Times Index (1932-1986) and subscribes to a small number of archival, historical, and political science journals and newsletters.
Dissertations, Theses, and Independent Research Papers
The library systematically collects dissertations, theses, and research papers relating to Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration, most of which are based on the library's resources.
A newspaper clippings file is maintained on Lyndon B. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, family members, the Johnson presidency, presidential libraries, and Johnson Library activities. Dating back to November 1963, the file is arranged by date but includes special subject files. Available on microfilm is the Barker Texas History Center Lyndon B. Johnson Clippings File, 1937-1969, 11 rolls, and theHouston PostLyndon B. Johnson Clippings File, 1949-1968, 1 roll.
The library maintains a vertical file of articles, papers, pamphlets, conference papers, and miscellaneous general interest items relating to Lyndon B. Johnson, his administration, career, and family, as well as on archives and presidential libraries.
The D.B. Hardeman Collection contains more than 7,000 volumes on American politics and history, especially the U.S. Congress. In conjunction with this collection, the library awards the biennial D.B. Hardeman Prize of $1,500 for the best book on the U.S. Congress in the 20th century.
The Drew Pearson Collection includes a personal Library of 300 books on diverse subjects, and the Arthur Okun Collection contains more than 600 books on 20th century economics.