SMITH, TRACY K.
Tracy K. Smith papers, 1972-2018

Restrictions on Access

Special restrictions apply: Collection stored off-site. Researchers must contact the Rose Library in advance to access this collection.

Per donor request, email in the collection is restricted pending review.

Use copies have not been made for audiovisual material in this collection. Researchers must contact the Rose Library at least two weeks in advance for access to these items. Collection restrictions, copyright limitations, or technical complications may hinder the Rose Library's ability to provide access to audiovisual material.

Researchers must contact the Rose Library in advance for access to unprocessed born digital materials in this collection. Collection restrictions, copyright limitations, or technical complications may hinder the Rose Library's ability to provide access to unprocessed born digital materials.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Purchase from Tracy K. Smith, 2018

Custodial History

The Rose Library purchased the collection from Tracy K. Smith in October 2018. The collection was packed and shipped to the Rose by Tracy K. Smith in November 2018.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], Tracy K. Smith papers, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Appraisal Note

Acquired by Interim Director Jennifer Meehan as part of the Rose Library’s holdings in literature and poetry. During accessioning in 2019, Rose Library staff removed and returned name badges and reusable bags from conferences and decorative keepsake boxes. Appraisal decisions were made by Project Digital Archivist, Brenna Edwards, in consultation with Interim Curator of Literary Collections, Carrie Hintz.

Processing

Arranged and described at the collection level by Brenna Edwards, 2019.

Biographical Note

Tracy K. Smith (1972-) is the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States and the Director of the Creative Writing Program at Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey). She was born in Massachusetts and raised in northern California. Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts), and her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Columbia University (New York, New York). She is the author of four books of poetry: The Body’s Question (2003); Duende (2007); Life on Mars (2011), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; and Wade in the Water (2018). She has also written a memoir titled Ordinary Light (2015).

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of the papers of Tracy K. Smith from 1972-2018 and includes writings by Smith, juvenilia, professional papers, correspondence, photographs, and digital files. Correspondence contains both personal and professional correspondence. The bulk of the writings are of Smith’s memoir, Ordinary Light, consisting of drafts, revisions, and page proofs. Other writings include various book and poem drafts, some of which are identified, and journals. Teaching files contain syllabi and coursework from Smith's classes. Professional files include book contracts, conference memorabilia, and programs, and printed material consists of newspapers and magazines with articles about Smith. Personal files document Smith’s childhood, as well as a 2017 trip to China with fellow authors and poets. Personal files also include programs for events Smith attended and fan mail.

Arrangement Note

Arranged by record type.