In 2016, this collection of manuscripts, poetry, journals, and correspondence, as well as 42 Reel-to-Reels from Weisburd’s private collection, were donated to California State University, Los Angeles’ Special Collections and Archives department by Dr. Andrew L. Knighton. An English professor at California State University, Los Angeles, Knightonis currently working on a book about Thomas McGrath. Many of the reels in this collection were selected for digitization by the California Audio Visual Preservation Project (CAVPP), and have been made available online at Archive.org.

Series I: Manuscripts and Poems Inclusive Dates: 1952-2002 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This large series consists of three subseries: a. Manuscripts, 1970-2002; b. Poems, 1960-1990; and c. Journals, 1952-1976.Subseries a. contains various manuscripts written by Weisburd between the years of 1970 to 2002. These writings appear to have been intentionally assembled by Weisburd, some of which are bound together. Several of the most prominent items in this subseries are writings with annotations by Weisburd himself. Some of these writings contain compilations of Weisburd’s poems (see Poems in Progress) and appear to have been grouped together for publication as poetry books. The subseries also contains non-fiction manuscripts (The Smog Inspector: A Literary Memoir of 50’s Los Angeles) and technical writing (SCD Potential in the Air Pollution Control Market). Subseries b. contains typed and handwritten poetry by Weisburd between the years of 1960 to1990. Within this subseries are two writings of poetry submitted for publication, Submitted Collection of Poems and Loneliness Pursues the Forms of this World, both undated. These submissions are accompanied by rejection notices from their respective recipients. Other collections within this subseries include general writings of past work (see Early Poems and Remnants, which is accompanied by its own binding) and multiple drafts of the same poem (see The House of Flesh). Many of the documents found in this series also include annotations by Weisburd and others, possibly colleagues entrusted with editorial suggestions and feedback. Subseries c. contains personal journals that belonged to Weisburd and his wife, Gloria Weisburd. Journal entries were handwritten and include various forms of writing, including poetry.

Series II: Audio Recordings Inclusive Dates: 1954-1963 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This series contains Audio Recordings of poetry readings compiled by Mel Weisburd through the years of 1954-1963. These readings are performed by various prominent beatnik poets, some of which include Kenneth Patchen, Ann Stanford, Kenneth Rexroth, Alvaro Cardona-Hine, Peter Yates, Gil Orlovitz, Guy Daniel, and Stuart Perkoff. A selection of these recordings can be found in digital form on Archive.org. Lastly, this series also houses a folder containing miscellaneous items which were found in some of Reel-to-Reel boxes. These items include receipts, correspondence, and notes.

Series III: Correspondence Inclusive Dates: 1959-1991 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological This small series contains typed and handwritten correspondence to and from Weisburd. While most of the correspondence in this collection pertains to Weisburd’s personal life, some relates to Weisburd’s writing and his work with Coastlines magazine. Lastly, this series also includes greeting cards, opened and empty envelopes, handwritten notes, and film negatives.

Series IV: Biographical Material Inclusive Dates: u.d. Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This small series includes a completed work application for System Development Corporation, a Santa Monica-based computer systems and technological research and development firm, which, at the time, worked primary with the United States military.

Series V. Notebooks and Notepads Inclusive Dates: 1981-1994 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This series contains a variety of spiral notebooks and notepads written in and owned by Weisburd. The contents are primarily handwritten ideas, notes, and drafts by Weisburd on his poetry and at times personal affairs. It is split into two, Subseries a. Titled and Subseries b. Untitled.