Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
RS 6/2/12
Clair George Maple (1916-1985)
Papers, 1949-2008, bulk 1954-1985
Descriptive summary
| creator: | Maple, Clair George (1916-1985) |
| title: | Papers |
| dates: | 1949-2008, bulk 1954-1985 |
| extent: | 12.75 linear feet (9 records center cartons, 2 document boxes, 1 half document box, and 1 map case folder) |
| collection number: | RS 6/2/12 |
| repository: | University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University. |
| language: | English, Russian |
Administrative information
| access: | Open for research.
This collection is stored offsite. Please contact the Special Collections Department at least two working days in advance. |
| publication rights: | Consult Head, Special Collections Department |
| preferred citation: | Clair George Maple Papers, RS 6/2/12, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Abstract
Clair George Maple (1916-1948) received his A.B. (1939) in mathematics and physics from Earlham College, M.Ed. (1940) from University of Cincinnati, and D.Sc. (1948) in mathematics from Carnegie Institute of Technology. He joined the Iowa State College (University) faculty as Associate Professor (1949) of mathematics, later advancing to Professor (1955) of mathematics, and Professor (1968) of computer science. He served as Director of ISU's Computation Center (1963-1985). He was appointed Division Chief (1966) of the Mathematical Sciences Division of Ames Laboratory and served as the Lab's Assistant Program Director (1966-1978) of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division. He consulted with companies on crypt-analysis and later consulted with colleges and universities on computation centers. He was active in EDUCOM, a computer consortium of colleges, universities, and research institutions; served the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on University Computer Centers; and co-founded the Seminar for Directors of Academic Computing Centers in 1970. This collection contains biographical information, committee files, newsletters, reports, correspondence, articles, speeches, news clippings, photographs, transparencies, and a U-Matic videotape. It documents Maple's work at Iowa State University, consulting, and service in professional organizations. |
Biographical note
Clair George Maple was born March 17, 1916 in Glenwood, Indiana. He received his A.B. (1939) in mathematics and physics from Earlham College, M.Ed. (1940) from University of Cincinnati, and D.Sc. (1948) in mathematics from Carnegie Institute of Technology. Maple was an instructor (1940-1941) in mathematics at West Virginia Institute of Technology and later at the Ohio State University (1941-1944). He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy (1944-1946) before returning to teaching as an instructor (1946-1948) of mathematics at Carnegie Institute of Technology, and as Associate Professor (1948-1949) of mathematics at North Texas State College. Maple joined the Iowa State College (University) faculty as Associate Professor (1949) of mathematics, later advancing to Professor (1955) of mathematics, and Professor (1968) of computer science. He served as Director of Iowa State University Computation Center (1963-1985). He was appointed Division Chief (1966) of the Mathematical Sciences Division of Ames Laboratory and served as Assistant Program Director (1966-1978) of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division of the Ames Laboratory. In 1950, Maple was recalled to active duty and served during the Korean War as a crypt-analyst. He returned to the ISU mathematics department in 1952 and for several years directed a classified research project in crypt-analysis under the sponsorship of the Office of Naval Research. He also consulted with a number of companies as a mathematician and crypt-analyst. He continued to be active in the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired from the Reserve with the rank of Captain. Since 1968, Maple had been involved with EDUCOM, a computer consortium of more than 500 colleges, universities, and research institutions in the United States and abroad. He served on its Board of Governors from 1972-1975, had been on its Membership Advisory Committee since 1981, and served as Chair-elect from 1984-1985. He also served as a consultant for a number of university computation centers, often under the auspices of EDUCOM. Maple was a co-founder of the Seminar for Directors of Academic Computing Centers in 1970, and served on its Board of Governors for 13 years. He was also active in the Association for Computing Machinery, particularly its Special Interest Group on University Computer Centers, and he served in other computer-related committees and organizations in the state and region. Maple authored 56 publications on mathematics, computer science, and computation center management and co-authored Introduction to the Laplace Transform (Holl, Dio L., Clair G. Maple, and Bernard Vinograde. Introduction to the Laplace Transform. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1959. Call number QA432 H718in). Maple received an ISU Faculty Citation in 1977. He held memberships in Sigma Xi science research honorary, Phi Kappa Phi scholastic honorary, and Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honorary. He was posthumously awarded the Association for Computing Machinery Distinguished Service Award in 1986. Maple died August 14, 1985, while attending the Seminar on Academic Computing in Snowmass, Colorado. Maple married Mary Louise Catron around the year 1942. They had no children. |
Collection description
This collection (1949-2008) contains biographical information, committee files, newsletters, reports, correspondence, articles, speeches, news clippings, photographs, transparencies, and a U-Matic videotape. It documents Maple's work as Director of the Iowa State University Computation Center, work with Ames Laboratory, ISU Extension, and other service to the university; his consulting work both in crypt-analysis for companies and in computation centers for colleges and universities; and his professional service. |
Related materials
Related collections in the Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library include:
|
Organization
Description of series
| Series 1 | Biographical information | 1949-2008, undated |
| extent: | Approximately 0.21 linear feet | |
| description: | This series contains biographical information, news clippings about Maple, and photographic portraits. This series is arranged chronologically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
1 |
Biographical information |
1949-2008, undated |
1 |
6 |
News clippings |
1963-1985 |
2 |
1 |
Photographs: portraits, and Maple with computer equipment (6 b/w photographs, 1 color positive film) |
1982 circa |
1 |
2 |
Nomination materials for Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Distinguished Service Award |
1985 |
1 |
3 |
Proposal for naming of auditorium in Durham Center |
1996 |
Description of series
| Series 2 | ISU Computation Center | 1963-1985, undated |
| extent: | 6.5 linear feet (5 records center cartons) | |
| description: | This series documents Maple's work as Director of ISU's Computation Center and includes committee files, newsletters, reports, correspondence, planning materials, hardware and software information, and photographs. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
2 |
2 |
Administrative Services Five-Year Data Processing Plan, F/Y 1978-79 through F/Y 1982-83 |
1979 |
2 |
3 |
Analog Computer Committee |
1970-1971 |
2 |
4 |
Arthur D. Little, Inc., study |
1963-1966 |
2 |
5 |
Bulletins and newsletters |
1966-1974 |
2 |
6 |
Capacity and performance study, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) |
1984 |
2 |
7 |
Committee on Technical Affairs |
1965-1966 |
2 |
8 |
Communications planning |
1978-1979 |
2 |
9 |
Computer Advisory Committee |
1970-1979 |
2 |
10 |
Computer science program establishment, computer purchases |
1964 |
2 |
11 |
Computer system accounting procedures |
1970 |
2 |
12 |
Computer usage reports |
1969 |
2 |
13 |
Computer use at ISU: example projects |
1978-1980 |
2 |
14 |
Correspondence: Digital Equipment Corporation |
1983-1985 |
2 |
15 |
Correspondence: Frey, Kenneth, regarding Datamyte equipment |
1972 |
2 |
16 |
Correspondence: Horton, Richard |
1984 |
2 |
17 |
Courseware consortium |
1982-1984 |
2 |
18 |
Debug Service Committee |
1970-1971 |
2 |
19-20 |
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) audit |
1978-1981 |
2 |
21 |
Department software needs |
1981-1982 |
2 |
22 |
Disk Utilization Committee |
1970-1972 |
2 |
23 |
Five-year plan and notes |
1977-1980 |
2 |
24-25 |
Graduate assistant quarterly reports |
1970-1983 |
2 |
26 |
Hardware corporation correspondence and information |
1976-1977 |
2 |
27-28 |
High speed data net |
1973-1976 |
2 |
29 |
Instructional Scientific Equipment Program (ISEP) grant: Unix [operating system] |
1976-1982 |
MAP CASE |
LSB01 D11 |
IBM computer dance photographs, LIFE Magazine (24 b/w) |
1963 |
2 |
30 |
Iowa enrollment analysis project |
1981-1983 |
2 |
31 |
Iowa Stater, January: Atanasoff and Durham gift for ISU's computer future |
1984 |
6 |
11 |
Iowa State University-State University of Iowa (ISU-SUI) Link |
1967-1980 |
2 |
32 |
ISU-SUI Link meeting |
1980-1981 |
2 |
33 |
Linear programming-quadratic programming |
1969-1970 |
2 |
34 |
Local network, Coover Hall |
1981 |
2 |
35 |
Long Range Planning System Coordinating Committee |
1970-1972 |
2 |
36 |
Long range plans |
1974 |
2 |
37 |
Mathematics and computer group: graphics |
1971 |
2 |
38 |
Mechanical Engineering Department research computing needs |
1977, undated |
2 |
39 |
Meeting with Burroughs Corporation |
1984 |
2 |
40 |
Meeting with Itel Corporation |
1976 |
2 |
41 |
Memorandums: Economics Department |
1966 |
3 |
1-21 |
Memorandums and information, numerical files C0001-C0602 |
1966-1974 |
4 |
1-20 |
Memorandums and information, numerical files C0603-C1275 |
1974-1983 |
5 |
1-5 |
Memorandums and information, numerical files C1276-C1462 |
1983-1985 |
5 |
6 |
Microcomputer Experiment Subcommittee |
1983-1985 |
5 |
7 |
Monthly review and progress report, Conversion of LSAP to VAX for Tektronix Graphics Terminals |
1981-1982 |
5 |
8 |
MVS [operating system] Implementation Committee |
1983 |
5 |
9 |
National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposal, "A Prototype Information Processing Program and System to Enhance the Training of Young Researchers" |
1976 |
5 |
10 |
News clippings, press releases, and other publicity (2 b/w photographs) |
1963-1984 |
5 |
11 |
News clippings: privacy |
1970 |
5 |
12 |
News clippings: systems |
1964 |
5 |
13 |
Operating Systems Committee |
1970-1973 |
5 |
14 |
Operations memorandums and bulletins |
1963-1970 |
5 |
15 |
Organizational charts |
1967-1985 |
5 |
16-17 |
Outside review |
1974-1980 |
5 |
18 |
Pamphlet, "Iowa State University: Providing Student Access to Computing," Digital Equipment Corporation |
1980 |
5 |
19 |
Paper, "A Proposal for the Establishment of a Program in Computer Science at Iowa State University" |
1965 circa |
5 |
20 |
Photographs and slides: Atanasoff Hall and computer equipment (9 b/w photographs, 1 b/w contact sheet, 10 color photographs, 17 color slides) |
1969 circa, 1984 |
5 |
21 |
Presentation: "Future Computation Center Services for Staff and Students at Iowa State University" (8 b/w transparencies) |
1972 circa |
5 |
22-26 |
Presentation to new faculty (48 transparencies) |
1972-1985 |
6 |
1 |
Procedures handbook: Computation Center |
1963 |
6 |
2 |
Profiles of Academic Computing, 1982 edition. Seminars on Academic Computing |
1982 |
6 |
3 |
Proposal to IBM from the College of Education |
1984 |
6 |
4-5 |
Regional computing activity, National Science Foundation proposal |
1969-1972 |
6 |
6 |
Report on CAS activity [course software] |
1984 |
6 |
7 |
Report, "Performance Testing of Pascal," David Olien and Jerry Niebaum |
1980 |
6 |
8 |
Reports: computer supported learning activities |
1983-1985 |
6 |
9 |
Reports to the user |
1972-1976 |
6 |
10 |
Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) services |
1974-1981 |
6 |
12 |
Statewide Coordinating Committee of the State Computer Centers |
1980-1981 |
6 |
13 |
Student Services Committee |
1970 |
6 |
14 |
Transparencies: mathematics special functions and numerical analysis, VAX statistics (12 b/w) |
1980, undated |
6 |
15 |
Test and evaluation services |
1978-1983 |
6 |
16 |
Time-Sharing Committee |
1970-1972 |
6 |
17-18 |
University Computer Policy Committee and university computer reports and proposals |
1983-1985 |
6 |
19-20 |
Usage reports: Computation Center |
1968-1975 |
6 |
21 |
User's Reference Memo: Creating and Maintaining User Procedure Libraries |
1978 |
6 |
22 |
VAX expansion |
1982-1983 |
6 |
23 |
VAX Fortran programs used at ISU |
1980 |
6 |
24 |
VAX port and terminal requests |
1980-1982 |
6 |
25 |
VAX requests |
1981-1983 |
6 |
26 |
VAX software |
1979-1982 |
6 |
27-28 |
VAX Support Committee |
1981-1985 |
6 |
29 |
VAX terminal requests |
1979-1980 |
6 |
30 |
VAX visitors |
1979-1984 |
6 |
31 |
Veterinary Medical computer facilities planning |
1975 |
6 |
32 |
Zeta Plotter implementation |
1982 |
Description of series
| Series 3 | Other ISU activities | 1956-1985 |
| extent: | Approximately 1.95 linear feet (1.5 records center cartons) | |
| description: | This series documents Maple's other work at ISU, including with Ames Laboratory, University Extension, and university committees, as well as committee work with Iowa Regents Universities. Included are several files and a videotape related to ISU celebrations honoring the work of ISU Professor John V. Atanasoff, inventor of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
7 |
1-3 |
Academic Affairs Computer Advisory Committee |
1973-1976 |
7 |
4-6 |
Academic Affairs Computer Advisory Committee |
1978-1984 |
7 |
7 |
Ad Hoc Task Group on Academic Computer Plan |
1976-1977 |
7 |
8 |
Ames Laboratory: contract between U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and ISU for the Direction, Operation and Management of Ames Laboratory |
1968-1969 circa |
7 |
9 |
Ames Laboratory: mathematics and computer science division, summary of activities and quarterly reports |
1973 |
7 |
10 |
Atanasoff celebration |
1983-1984 |
7 |
11 |
Atanasoff celebration photographs (7 color) |
1983 circa |
7 |
12-13 |
Atanasoff honors and celebrations |
1980-1984 |
7 |
14 |
Atanasoff tribute |
1974-1984 |
12 |
7 |
Atanasoff video: "John Atanasoff on the Atanasoff-Berry Computer" (1 U-Matic videotape) |
1983 circa |
7 |
15 |
Cable TV Committee |
1975-1979 |
7 |
16 |
Census Data Center Committee |
1981 |
7 |
17 |
College of Agriculture Computer Committee |
1981-1983 |
7 |
18 |
College of Engineering Computer Planning Committee |
1984-1985 |
7 |
19-21 |
Communications Committee/Telecommunications Advisory Committee: telephone system |
1981-1983 |
7 |
22 |
Computer Policy Committee (2 b/w transparencies) |
1983-1984 |
7 |
23-24 |
Computing Committee |
1956-1960 |
8 |
1-2 |
Council of University Research Institute Administrators (CURIA) meetings |
1981-1985 |
8 |
3 |
Data Communications Task Force |
1979-1985 |
8 |
4 |
Department of Computer Science: Executive Committee |
1983-1984 |
8 |
5 |
Extension: "clearing house" program report |
1965 |
8 |
6-8 |
Library Committee |
1980-1985 |
8 |
9 |
Osborn Research Club |
1981-1985 |
8 |
10 |
Phi Kappa Phi |
1967-1972 |
8 |
11-12 |
Power System Computer Service Advisory Board |
1974-1984 |
8 |
13 |
Regents: Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) Committee on Computing |
1983-1984 |
8 |
14-16 |
Regents' Computer and Communication Task Force |
1982-1983 |
8 |
17 |
Regents: Interinstitutional Ad Hoc Task Force report on Academic Computing Services for Instruction, Research, and Public Service |
1981 |
8 |
18 |
Regents' Report on the Feasibility of a Single Large Computer Facility, and comments |
1977-1979 |
8 |
19 |
Zoology and Entomology Admissions Office punch card code book |
1956 |
Description of series
| Series 4 | Consulting | 1954-1985 |
| extent: | Approximately 1.95 linear feet (1.5 records center cartons) | |
| description: | This series contains reports and background information for two types of consulting work that Maple engaged in. There are a few files from consultations with companies in crypt-analysis from early in his career. The majority of files are consultations with colleges and universities regarding academic computing centers conducted under the auspices of EDUCOM. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
8 |
20 |
Bowling Green State University |
1966 |
8 |
21 |
Buena Vista College |
1983-1984 |
8 |
22 |
CMC Colleges Associated: Coe, Mount Mercy, Cornell Colleges |
1984 |
8 |
23 |
Grinnell College |
1985 |
8 |
24 |
Illinois Wesleyan University |
1969 |
8 |
25 |
Kansas State Teachers College |
1971 |
8 |
26 |
Kansas State University |
1967-1983 |
8 |
27-28 |
Northern Illinois University |
1977 |
9 |
1-3 |
North Carolina State University |
1981-1983 |
9 |
4 |
Phonevision, Report no. 11, "Cryptanalytic Solution of the Phonevision All-Electric Switch Type Translator" |
1955 |
9 |
5-8 |
Portland State University |
1974-1978 |
9 |
9 |
Southern Illinois University |
1968 |
9 |
10 |
Southern Methodist University |
1983 |
9 |
11 |
University of Alaska |
1984 |
9 |
12-13 |
University of Missouri |
1971 |
9 |
14 |
University of Missouri |
1983-1984 |
9 |
15-17 |
University of Notre Dame |
1976 |
9 |
18 |
University of Oklahoma |
1978-1981 |
9 |
19-21 |
University of Washington |
1976-1979 |
9 |
22 |
University of Wyoming |
1978 |
9 |
23-24 |
Washington State University |
1983 |
9 |
25 |
West Virginia University |
1971-1976 |
9 |
26 |
Zenith Radio Corporation, summary report |
1954-1955 |
9 |
27 |
Zenith Radio Corporation, preliminary report, "Possibilities of Illicit Decoding of Phonevision Signals by Combined Electronic and Cryptographic Means" |
1955 |
9 |
28 |
Zenith Radio Corporation, report, "Semi-Conductor Problem, Report III: Simplified Linearized Equations for the Propagation of Waves in a Semi-Conductor" |
1956 |
9 |
29 |
Zenith Radio Corporation, semi-conductor problem |
1956 |
Description of series
| Series 5 | Professional service | 1967-1985 |
| extent: | Approximately 1.34 linear feet | |
| description: | This series documents Maple's service to professional organizations, including the Association for Computing Machinery, EDUCOM, and the Seminar for Directors of Academic Computing Centers, among others. Also included are files on the Iowa Census Data Services and Iowa Data Center. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
10 |
1 |
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): visiting lecture tours correspondence |
1969-1970 |
10 |
2-4 |
ACM Special Interest Group on University Computer Centers (ACM-SIGUCC): presentations (20 transparencies) |
1980 |
10 |
5 |
ACM-SIGUCC: Task Force on Terms and Conditions for Computing and Communications |
1972 |
10 |
6 |
EDUCOM: agenda, minutes, and correspondence |
1984 |
10 |
7 |
EDUCOM: Board of Directors |
1985 |
10 |
8 |
EDUCOM: Board of Trustees |
1973 |
10 |
9-10 |
EDUCOM: conference materials, including paper, "How to Deliver Low Cost Computing throughout the University," transparencies (6) and correspondence |
1980 |
10 |
11 |
EDUCOM: consulting group |
1984 |
10 |
12 |
EDUCOM: council correspondence |
1984 |
10 |
13 |
EDUCOM: election to Council Chairman Elect position |
1984 |
10 |
14 |
EDUCOM: Executive and Finance Committee meeting |
1984 |
10 |
15 |
EDUCOM: resource sharing project |
1980 |
10 |
16 |
Governor's Science Advisory Committee |
1967-1968 |
10 |
17 |
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Department of Education Computer Center Directors' classes (3 b/w photographs) |
1968-1975 |
10 |
18-20 |
Iowa Census Data Services |
1978-1983 |
10 |
21-22 |
Iowa Data Center |
1977-1982 |
10 |
23 |
Iowa Department of Public Instruction |
1969 |
10 |
24 |
Mid-America Academic Computer Centers (MAACC) meeting |
1972 |
11 |
1-2 |
People-to-People International Computer Science Technology Delegation to Western Europe and the Soviet Union (2 b/w negatives 125560-125561) |
1982 |
10 |
25-27 |
Seminar for Directors of Academic Computing Centers (20 b/w transparencies) |
1970-1973 |
10 |
28-29 |
Seminar for Directors of Academic Computing Services |
1973-1974 |
Description of series
| Series 6 | Publications | 1949-1975 |
| extent: | Approximately 0.38 linear feet | |
| description: | This series contains articles and reviews, in English, of Russian articles written by Maple. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
4 |
"Aerodynamic Symmetry of Projectiles," Quarterly of Applied Mathematics, vol. 6, no. 4 |
1949 |
11 |
3 |
"Bounds for the Derivatives of the Solution of the Neumann Problem," Iowa Academy of Science, vol. 57, reprint |
1950 |
11 |
4 |
Computational Support for Theoretical Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences, conference proceedings-includes summary of Maple's contributions to conference |
1971 |
11 |
5 |
"The Dirichlet Problem: Bounds at a Point for the Solution and Its Derivatives," Quarterly of Applied Mathematics, vol. 8, no. 3, reprint |
1950 |
11 |
6 |
"Goals of the EDP Management Controls Working Group," and "EDP Management Controls Working Group Report," Controlled Accessibility Workshop Report, U.S. Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards |
1974 |
11 |
7 |
Reviews of articles in Russian, drafts |
1956-1958 circa |
1 |
5 |
"Stability of Solutions of Nonlinear Diffusion Problems," Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, vol. 14, no. 2 |
1966 |
11 |
8 |
"Three Numerical Methods for Integration of Systems of Equations in Chemical Kinetics," Combustion and Flame, draft |
1974-1975 |
Description of series
| Series 7 | Presentations | 1964-1982, undated |
| extent: | Approximately 0.42 linear feet | |
| description: | This series contains Maple's presentation materials, including drafts of speeches, transparencies, and notes. This series is arranged alphabetically. | |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
11 |
9 |
"Ames Laboratory of AEC," Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Computer Information meeting (4 transparencies) |
1970 |
11 |
10 |
AEC lecture |
1969-1970 |
11 |
11 |
"Computing and Academia: the Intersection" conference (6 transparencies) |
1976 |
11 |
12 |
Data processing planning |
1981-1982 |
11 |
13 |
"Error Bounds for Asympotic Expansions of Special Functions in the Complex Plane," Madison, WI |
1965 |
12 |
1 |
Notes for presentations |
1964-1969, undated |
12 |
2-4 |
Seminar presentations and lectures (3 transparencies) |
1964-1974 |
12 |
5 |
Transparencies for presentations (13) |
1974-1977, undated |
12 |
6 |
"The Use of Mini Computers in a Laboratory Environment," University of Arizona |
1970-1971 |