The records of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Communications Office include the public relations materials collected, created, and distributed by that office. The records document the history, research, and other activities of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and its affiliated aquarium.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Communications Office Records, 1903-2015 (SAC 13)
OFF-SITE STORAGE: COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. ALLOW ONE WEEK FOR RETRIEVAL OF MATERIALS.
Restrictions: Original media formats are restricted. Viewing/listening copies may be available for
researchers.
Extent: 28 Linear feet (58 manuscript boxes, 2 records cartons, 4 card boxes, 1 flat box, 1 map case folder, and 11 films), + 31 GB of digital files
Digital Content
A small selection of materials from the collection have been digitized. The digitized images may be viewed by searching the phrase "SIO Communications Office Records" in quotes, on the UC San Diego Library Digital Collections website.
Independently founded in 1903, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography was originally named the Marine Biological Association of San Diego. In 1912, it became part of the University of California and was renamed the Scripps Institution for Biological Research. In 1925, the name was changed to Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), to reflect the institution's major emphasis on oceanographic research, though the institution's scope of study includes many scientific fields. Scripps became a department of UC San Diego in 1960, when the San Diego campus was established.
The SIO Communications Office is responsible for all publicity for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Communications Office distributes news releases intended for the scientific community, the university, and the general public. The information they distribute pertains to studies and research at SIO, programming and lectures at SIO and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and topics related to oceanography. They also frequently publicize retirements, awards, and obituaries of individuals affiliated with the institution. The office manages the large number of requests for information about SIO and its research, plans all official visits and institution-sponsored events, and facilitates a Speakers Bureau of expert speakers from SIO and the aquarium. They also issue a number of publications, including quarterly newsletters, the monthly "Explorations" e-magazine, and the institution's annual reports.
Prior to the formal establishment of the SIO Communications Office, publicity efforts were assumed by an SIO Professor. From 1919-1942, Winfred E. Allen wrote news releases, carried in the local newspapers, about upcoming events, visits to the institution, and articles on biology. These carbon typescripts are retained in the Winfred E. Allen Papers (SMC 23).
The SIO Communications Office has undergone a series of administrative name changes. Formally established in 1951 under a Public Relations Committee, it was originally called the Office of Public Relations. Carl Hubbs served as chairman of the Public Relations Committee and the director of the office. In the late 1950s, the name changed to the SIO Public Information Office. At this time, the office was headed by Thomas Manar, designated Public Information Officer for Scripps. From 1965-1978, the office was directed by Nelson Fuller, who was assisted by Jacqueline Parker. Parker succeeded Fuller in 1978 and directed the office until 1991. It was during Parker's tenure that the office was renamed the SIO Public Affairs Office. Finally, in 1993, the office's name changed to the current title of SIO Communications Office. This title reflects the office's affiliation with UC San Diego's Communications Office. Cindy Clark was named the Director of Communications in 1993 and served in this capacity until her retirement in 2015. Lauren Wood became the Director of Strategic Communications in 2017.
The records of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Communications Office include the public relations materials collected, created, and distributed by that office. The records document the history, research, and other activities of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and its affiliated aquarium. The records document the major events and achievements of the Institution as publicized by the Office.
Arranged in eighteen series: 1) ADMINISTRATIVE FILES, 2) CORRESPONDENCE, 3) PUBLICITY MATERIAL, 4) NEWS RELEASES, 5) REPORTS, 6) COMMITTEES AND GROUPS, 7) AWARDS AND HONORS, 8) EXPEDITIONS, 9) EXPERIMENTS AND PROJECTS, 10) BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, 11) SHIPS AND SUBMERSIBLES, 12) CONFERENCES AND LECTURES, 13) EVENTS AND EXHIBITS, 14) TOURS AND VISITS, 15) PHOTOGRAPHS, 16) SLIDES, 17) AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL, and 18) ARTIFACTS.