Rothman makes an interesting juxtaposition about academic writing. He states that academic writing is supposed to be “dry but also clever; faceless but also persuasive; clear but also completist,” but yet it is “actually among the most personal writing there is.”  He attributes this paradox to the “very small audience of hyper-knowledgeable, mutually acquainted specialists” that academic writing targets.

Rothman goes further to attribute the marginalization of academic writing to the “tightly-packed, super-competitive jungle” authors face when publishing.  This is due to the shrinking interest in topics which would have, at one time, had an audience of like-minded academics.

Rothman, Joshua. “Why Is Academic Writing So Academic?” The New Yorker. Advance Publications, 20 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 May 2016. <http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/why-is-academic-writing-so-academic>.

How are the papers organized?

16 “Series”

◦Series 1. Personal and “Library” Correspondence

◦Series 2. Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority

◦Series 3. Emergency Public Works Commission

◦Series 4. Office of the City Construction Coordinator

◦Series 5. New York Gubernatorial Campaign

◦Series 6. New York City Department of Parks

◦Series 7. New York State Constitutional Convention

◦Series 8. Long Island State Park commission

◦Series 9. New York State Council of Parks

◦Series 10. New York State Power Authority

◦Series 11. Committee on Slum Clearance

◦Series 12. New York World’s Fair, 1964-1965, Inc

◦Series 13. Housing

◦Series 14. Speeches

◦Series 15. Printed Matter

◦Series 16. Photographs

What kinds of materials are included?

The collection consists of speeches , correspondence, memoranda, reports, press releases, plans, clippings, photographs, and other printed matter. These all document the career of Robert Moses

How could you access these resources?

One must give advanced notice to the archive, and go to:

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788

Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328

Relevance: This article will help me write my reflection about Brooklyn’s history.

Expertise: Eamon Loingsigh, a writer, sired by Irish immigrants. There is a little biopic about Eamon Loingsigh on the webpage.  He has released three books on historical subjects, so my trust in him is high.

Currency: Article published on April 8, 2013 – 3:49pm. Concerns historical information, so publication date is not so relevant.

Accuracy: Eamon references several primary and secondary sources, in text, in a way that one could easily find the original sources.

Purpose: Eamon is researching his heritage. He was interested in the White Hand Gang, so the information about Brooklyn is highly relevant in his own research.  There is no bias, but Eamon definitely wants exposure for his upcoming book.