Librarians and Archivists
Robert M. Warner
Bob Warner outside the National Archives.
ID No. HS1176. Click to enlarge.
Perhaps more than most figures in UM library and archives history, Robert M. Warner career was locally centered. From his enrollment as a graduate student in the UM history department in 1952 until his death in 2007, the bulk of Warner's career converged on the University of Michigan.
Robert M. Warner was appointed Director of the Michigan Historical Collections in 1966, succeeding F. Clever Bald in the role. He had worked with the MHC since 1953, assisting with research services, and from 1957, Warner worked as a Field Representative, courting donors and new collections for the MHC. Warner became assistant director in 1961. And while his career prior to his Directorship was an interesting one, it was after he assumed a more central leadership role that formalized archival management at the University took on greater significance in normal operations.
During Warner's tenure, the Bentley Historical Library was built, in 1972. It was the first time that archives and manuscripts had a dedicated space in which they could be stored and used. Previously, space in the Clements and in the Horace H. Rackham building had been used for storage and research areas. The Bentley Historical Library "stands today as testimony to his vision, style and leadership, and its growing collections reflect his commitment to the preservation of the documentary heritage of the University and the State of Michigan and his warm and genial persuasiveness. He has also contributed significantly to the development of the archival profession in Michigan and in the nation at large. Recognizing his outstanding accomplishments in the past we extend to him our best wishes for every success in his new endeavor."1 This "new endeavor" was to be one with national significance.
In 1980, Warner accepted a position that would take him away from Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan--he became Archivist of the United States. Warner served from 1980-1985 as the 6th Archivist of the United States at the National Archives and Records Service (NARS).
Warner in the rotunda of the National Archives
building. ID No. HS1174.
Click to enlarge.
Among his other accomplishments, Warner oversaw the organization's transition from NARS to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), an independent agency. In the course of testifying for the House Government Operations Committee, Warner faced the following question: "Dr. Warner, we recognize that the Administration opposes this legislation and that you are not free to vary from that position; nonetheless, this committee would like to know your personal opinion about independence for the National Archives. Can you enlighten us?" To which Warner responded, "before I was appointed Archivist, I was director of a university research library and once served as President of the Society of American Archivists. At that time, I was well aware of the problems faced by NARS, and I developed my own professional conviction that NARS should be separated from GSA. Upon my appointment as Archivist, however, I stated publicly that I would not so much advocate independence or separation for the National Archives as work to strengthen its administrative capabilities toward the day when some organizational solution would be found."2 Warner's answer clearly demonstrates his ability to collaborate, professional ethics, and talent for diplomacy, for which he was well known. When questioned, two years earlier in 1982, about his opinion that the Archives should be separated from the GSA, Warner expressed concern over "the continued ability of the National Archives to properly carry out its critical and necessarily nonpartisan role as keeper of the nation's records and collective memory in an ever-changing, frequently political atmosphere."3 The critical role of non-partisanship recurred again and again during Wagner's tenure at NARS.
Warner giving National Archives tour to Justice O'Connor.
Scrapbook, V.4, Robert M. Warner papers.
Click to enlarge.
Perhaps if the Nixon scandal had not raised public hackles at the destruction of evidentiary records, NARS would not have gained its independence. However, the conflicts of interest which the GSA provoked in its handling of procedures and records related to Nixon's papers made an independent archives and records agency one of few ethical options. The Reagan Administration, though it opposed the expansion of government, did grant NARS independent status, transforming NARS into NARA. It would be the only new agency to come from the Reagan years.
Warner's NARS ID badge. Scrapbook,
V.5, Robert M. Warner papers.
Click to enlarge.
Warner resigned his post as soon as the NARS Act was signed, saying, "Achieving independence for the National Archives accomplishes my chief goal here."4 Warner returned to the University of Michigan, becoming Dean of the School of Library Science.
Warner served two terms as Dean of the School of Library Science, from 1985-1992. Under his leadership, the School underwent a name change (to the School of Library and Information Studies), expanded course offerings, and strengthened partnerships with the UM Libraries. A forward-thinking administrator, Warner referred to librarians as "translators of modern technology."4
In addition, Warner served as interim director from 1988-1990. 1988 was the year that the University Library adopted MIRLYN (which stood for MIchigan Research LibrarY Network)and the card catalog entered a new era of obsolescence.
1. University of Michigan, Proceedings of the Board of Regents, 1980 June Meeting, p 673.
2. "Q and A for the Archivist's Testimony before the House Government Operations Committee, 3-6-84," Folder "NARS Independence, Reference File." Box 12, Robert M. Warner papers)
3. [Personal view of why NARS should be separated], Folder "NARS Independence, Misc., 1981-1983." Box 12, Robert M. Wagner papers.
4. "People who take federal jobs can effect change, says U man," Ann Arbor News, 15 Apr. 1985.
5. "New Breed of Librarian is whiz with computer in fast-changing field," 21 Nov. 1985, Folder "Warner, Robert M." Box 135, UM News and Info. Svcs. Faculty and Staff Files.