`docs/huntington-request-DRAFT.md`

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# DRAFT — NOT SENT

**To:** Reference Services, The Huntington Library — reference@huntington.org
**From:** Steve Abrams <steve@designerwallcoverings.com>
**Subject:** Research request — metadata export of the Paul Conrad Papers (mssCON 1-12360) cartoon database

Dear Huntington Reference Staff,

I am compiling a scholarly, metadata-only index of Paul Conrad's editorial cartoons (1950–2010) that records where each
drawing is held and how researchers can view it. The index reproduces no images; it links researchers back to the
holding institution.

The public finding aid for the Paul Conrad Papers (OAC ark:/13030/c8z03dxd) describes the original drawings at box level
— 206 boxes of original drawings with CON number ranges (CON 1 through roughly CON 10,600), which our index represents as
8,628 box-range slots. I understand from your Verso article on volunteers deciphering the Conrad cartoons that the
Library maintains a more detailed, item-level record of the drawings (titles/captions, publication dates, subjects).

Would the Huntington be willing to share an export of that item-level metadata — for example a CSV or spreadsheet with,
per CON number: title or caption, publication date, subjects/names, dimensions, and any notes — for non-commercial
research use? I would credit the Huntington as the source on every record, link each entry to the Huntington catalog or
finding aid, and follow any terms of use you specify. I am not requesting images or reproduction rights.

If an export is not possible, I would be grateful to know whether the database can be consulted on site, and what the
appropriate process is (reader application, appointment, fees).

Thank you for your time and for stewarding this collection.

Kind regards,
Steve Abrams
steve@designerwallcoverings.com