AANA Archives-Library

Using the AANA Archives-Library
The AANA Archives-Library primarily serves the needs of the AANA’s members and staff, but welcomes inquiries from the general public. Simple questions can be answered by phone or email; researchers who have extensive requests are encouraged to visit the Archives-Library in person.
 
The Archives-Library is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. by appointment only. Non-AANA members must apply for permission to use the Archives-Library. For an appointment or permission, contact the AANA Archivist and Records Manager at archives@aana.com or 847-655-1106.
 
Overview of the AANA Archives-Library's Collections
The main archival collection documents the AANA’s history since its founding in 1931. Records include minutes, correspondence, and meeting materials from the Board of Directors and committees; publications and brochures; meeting materials from the Annual Meeting, assemblies, and workshops; photographs; audiovideo items; and memorabilia. The records document all aspects of the AANA's activities, including education, practice issues, legislation, reimbursement, and relationships with other healthcare groups.
 
Manuscript Collections and Anesthesia Equipment
The Archives-Library collects non-AANA materials on the history of nurse anesthesia, primarily the personal papers of nurse anesthetists and anesthesia equipment. The personal papers include items such as diaries and journals, correspondence, teaching and student notes, photographs, and memorabilia. Many of the collections also contain equipment used by nurse anesthetists. 
 
Thesis and Dissertation Collection
This collection of theses, dissertations, and research papers written by nurse anesthetists is focused on issues affecting the nurse anesthesia profession, such as education, workforce studies, and job satisfaction, rather than clinical investigations of anesthetic drugs and techniques. For a list of items in the collection, the interlibrary loan policy, and how to donate to the collection, please visit the Dissertations and Theses page.
 
Library and Rare Books Collection
The Archives-Library maintains a small reference library focused on anesthesia and healthcare issues. The emphasis of the collection is anesthesia textbooks, some of which date back to the 1920s.
 
Donating to the AANA Archives-Library
If you have something you would like to donate to the Archives-Library, please call or email before sending. Donations are accepted on a case-by-case basis. At this time, back issues of the AANA Journal are not needed.

The Archivist and Records Manager is available by phone or email during regular AANA business hours, Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. While we do accept appointments for research visits to the Archives, we recognize that this is inconvenient for many of our members nationwide. We encourage requests by email or phone instead.

The best way to expedite your request is to give the Archivist as much information as possible about your topic and your background. You may not be the only person with a particular type of inquiry.

Please be sure to include the following in every email or phone request:

• full name
• school and/or hospital
• AANA member ID
• brief description of your project

Sometimes it can be difficult to fully explain a request in writing. Don’t worry! Feel free to make your initial request by calling the Archivist. Once you both have a better understanding of the scope of the project and the resources available from the Archives, expect a follow-up email to confirm the details. This follow-up will give you a timeline for when you can expect a response. 

Please be aware that handling requests does take some time. Reach out early to be sure the Archivist can give your inquiry the attention it deserves before your project is due. When you do get a response, don’t forget to send a quick reply to confirm that you received any information or attachments. This is also a good time to address any additional questions or requests.

We’re not only here to collect and preserve the history of AANA, but to make it available to researchers like you. We are happy to answer your questions.

To make your request, send an email with the required information to archives@aana.com or call the Archivist at 847-655-1106.

The AANA Archives-Library maintains a small collection of dissertations, theses, and research papers related to nurse anesthesia. These items have been donated to or acquired by the library; it is not a complete list of dissertations and theses written by nurse anesthetists. To find additional dissertations and theses, ask your library if it provides access to an online dissertation database.
 
The AANA collection is focused on issues affecting the nurse anesthesia profession such as education, workforce, and job satisfaction, rather than clinical investigations of anesthesia drugs and techniques. The collection also contains a few works on nurse anesthesia history.
 
List of dissertations and theses 
 
Abstracts
The AANA Archives-Library can provide the abstract (the 1-2 page summary of the research) from a dissertation or thesis upon request. Abstract requests should be sent to the AANA Archivist and Records Manager at archives@aana.com and should include the title and author's name.
 
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Policy
The Archives-Library lends items from its thesis and dissertation collection only to libraries in the U.S. The loan period is three weeks. Individuals should contact their hospital, university, or public library to initiate an interlibrary loan request. Libraries can make requests by sending an email to archives@aana.com.
 
Donating Your Dissertation or Thesis
CRNAs are encouraged to send a copy of their dissertation or thesis to:
 
Archivist and Records Manager
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4001