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Show THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON 25, D.C. Mar. 16 1949. Dear Mr. Phillips: I am glad to learn, from your letter of February 23, 1949, that your plans for Sinai and St. Catherine's are ripening. Understanding that the plans of the University of California African Expedition will provide an opportunity for photographing in the Library of St. Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula, the Library of Congress is very anxious to make use of this opportunity. We understand that the manuscripts in the Library approximate 500,000 pages. We understand further that permission to microfilm these manuscripts can be secured from the various authorities, and that all arrangements for effecting the photocopying can be made under the auspices of the Expedition, As originally conceived it was intended that the Library of Congress would supply the services of a microfilm technician, the necessary microfilm equipment antf film, and would defray the costs of travel and subsistence for the technician. I understand, from our most recent conversations here, that it would be necessary for the Library, if the project is to be assured, to privide additional support. Because the Library of Congress does not have funds for the direct support- of expeditions, we have discussed alternative methods by which this additional support, can be effected. By the method which is most usual to us, we would purchase films of the manuscripts from the • Expedition at a price to be agreed upon. A price of three cents per page, amounting to $ 15,000 for not to exceed 500,000 pages, has seemed to us possible. By this method the Expedition would be responsible for all costs of execution, for providing the technician and the equipment, and the Library would make payments for completed work. The question as to the feasibility of an advance payment has still to be thoroughly explored. By the alternative method, which is a compromise between the original plan and the outlined above, we would still provide the service, transportation and subsistence of the technician, as well as the camera equipment ( in a value of approximately $4,000) and film. In consideration for the facilities of tjifc Expedition which make the copying possible we would be willing to make an additional payment. This additional payment would consist of the balance of the three cents per page (up to a total not to exceed 500,000 pages or $15,000) remaining after the costs for the technician and the equipment were deducted. We would also agree to supply a positive print to the Farouk University in consideration for the assistance recieved from the Egyptian Government in making the project possible. As to selection. We do not have staff from which we can assign an expert to assist in the selection of manuscripts to be copied. Since Professor Albright does not claim to have authority in this field, I am interested to know what arrangements £ou propose. I have received a thoughtful latter from Carl H. Kraeling, President of the American Schools of Oriental Research, and he states that the Schools, having a stake both in the area and in the XXXK field, would probably be happy to associate themselves with the execution of the Sinai project. Perhaps you have already the Schools into your calculations. Sincerely yours, Luther n. Evana. Librarian of Congress. |
