The papers of Barbara Calmer primarily document Calmer’s career as Associate Professor of Physical Education at Oberlin College. The instructional file series (Series 2) contains materials from the courses taught by Calmer (i.e. syllabi and reading lists) and reference materials concerning physical education issues such as dance, golf, and gymnastics. Notes from physical education workshops attended by Calmer can be found in this series. The files related to the Oberlin College Physical Education Department concern committee work on individual majors and the policies and procedures for the Department. Of particular interest is a file concerning the Oberlin Board of Women Officials that documents the process of selecting officials and organizing events for girls and women’s sports. A journal used to record the acquisition of book titles concerning physical education issues is included in the department files. Series four contains student papers, requests for letters of recommendation from Calmer’s former students, and a file concerning a misconduct case between James Jeanpierre (a student) and Thomas LeDuc (professor of history).

Except for the student papers, the files in series four are restricted. The collections contains some biographical information, but, in general, it lacks documentation concerning the personal life of Barbara Calmer.

Series I. Biographical Files, 1977-82, 1996, n.d. (3 Folders)

The biographical files of Barbara Calmer primarily relate to her position as a faculty member in the Oberlin College Physical Education Department. Included is a file concerning leave of absences, and a self-evaluation required by the College of Arts and Sciences. The file containing the self-evaluation is restricted. Also included is a file containing a brief biographical sketch.

Series II. Instructional Files, 1942-74, n.d. (10 Folders)

The instructional files consist of materials used by Barbara Calmer to teach courses in physical education and reference materials related to basketball, children’s movement, dance, gymnastics, golf, and learning disorders. Also included is a file related to a workshop held at Wellesley College and two folders containing notes from other conferences or workshops concerning physical education issues.

Series III. Physical Education Department Files, 1952-71, 1974, 1979, 1982, n.d. (4 Folders)

The files related to the Oberlin College Physical Education Department include correspondence concerning committee work on individual majors programs and the practices and procedures of the Department of Physical Education.. Also included is a folder concerning a program review of the Physical Education Department (1970). A file concerning The Oberlin Board of Women Officials documents the activities of the Board as a member of the National Section on Girls and Women’s Sports. A journal of “Library Acquisitions” lists various book titles that were received by the Physical Education Department.

Series IV. Student Files, 1971-74, 1977-79, 1982 (6 Folders)

This series contains requests for letters of recommendation from former students of Barbara Calmer. These files are restricted. Also included are student papers concerning topics in physical education. A file concerning a case between James Jeanpierre (a student) vs. Thomas LeDuc (professor of history) is included. This file is also restricted.