PCL MS 194 E.L. Quarantelli Collection

This collection of 0.5 linear feet represents some of the research and writing done by Dr. Enrico L. (“E.L.”) Quarantelli on the subject of streaking on college campuses. Dr. Quarantelli donated the materials as part of a larger donation to the Browne Popular Culture Library in 2000. There are no restrictions on the materials for academic use, however researchers are responsible for obtaining permission for the duplication and reuse of all research and manuscript materials. The finding aid was completed by Manuscripts & Outreach Archivist Steve Ammidown in September 2016.

Dr. E.L. Quarantelli was one of the first researchers to explore the sociological aspects of disaster. He first undertook field studies as part of the National Opinions Research Center at the University of Chicago, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology in 1959. He went on to found the Disaster Research Center at Ohio State University in 1963, and it was there that he undertook the research present in this collection.

Dr. Quarantelli’s interest in collective behavior led to a study of the mid-1970’s phenomenon of streaking on college campuses. He was particularly interested in the spread of the activity across seemingly disconnected campuses. He undertook a survey of college campuses across the country in 1974, though the data was not fully analyzed and published until 1985.

Dr. Quarantelli is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Delaware, where he relocated to in 1985 and is the current home of the Disaster Research Center.

The collection contains research notes relating to Dr. Quarantelli’s work on streaking, as well as drafts of articles generated for publication. Researchers will be interested in the process of the research, the data analysis methods used, and the navigation of the journal writing and review process.

Originally included in the collection were copies of the responses to Dr. Quarantelli’s 1974 survey of colleges regarding streaking. Review of these materials showed that the surveys had been de-anonymized and included the respondents name and institution. While this would not have been an issue for the original researchers, it would not pass today’s ethical standards, making potential reuse problematic. Preservation concerns were also raised given the condition and volume of the records. These concerns, as well as the fact that the results were well documented in the other research files in the collection, led to the decision to destroy the survey instruments, in accordance with the Deed of Gift, in September 2016.   

Research Materials
1974-1985
Arranged as received
Includes analysis of surveys, literature review, as well as handwritten notes and drafts.

Manuscripts
1983-1985
Arranged by article title, then chronologically
Contains drafts and reviewer comments of various articles about fads written by E.L. Quarantelli and his associates.