AANA Library and Archives

The main archival collection documents the AANA’s history since its founding in 1931. Records include minutes, correspondence, and meeting materials from the Board of Directors and committees; publications and brochures; meeting materials from the Annual Meeting, assemblies, and workshops; photographs; audio–video items; and memorabilia. The records document all aspects of the AANA’s activities, including education, practice issues, legislation, reimbursement, and relationships with other healthcare groups. 

Manuscript Collections and Anesthesia Equipment

The Archives-Library collects non-AANA materials on the history of nurse anesthesia, primarily the personal papers of nurse anesthetists and anesthesia equipment. The personal papers include items such as diaries and journals, correspondence, teaching and student notes, photographs, and memorabilia. Many of the collections also contain equipment used by nurse anesthetists. 

 
Thesis and Dissertation Collection

The AANA Archives-Library maintains a small collection of dissertations, theses, and research papers related to nurse anesthesia. These items have been donated to or acquired by the library; it is not a complete list of dissertations and theses written by nurse anesthetists.  

This collection of theses, dissertations, and research papers written by nurse anesthetists is focused on issues affecting the nurse anesthesia profession, such as education, workforce studies, and job satisfaction, rather than clinical investigations of anesthetic drugs and techniques. To find additional dissertations and theses, ask your library if it provides access to an online dissertation database.

Library and Rare Books Collection

The Archives-Library maintains a small reference library focused on anesthesia and healthcare issues. The emphasis of the collection is anesthesia textbooks, some of which date back to the 1920s. 

The Archivist and Records Manager is available by phone or email during regular AANA business hours, Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. While we do accept appointments for research visits to the Archives, we recognize that this is inconvenient for many of our members nationwide. We encourage requests by email or phone instead.

The best way to expedite your request is to give the Archivist as much information as possible about your topic and your background. You may not be the only person with a particular type of inquiry.

Please be sure to include the following in every email or phone request: 

• Full name 
• School and/or hospital 
• AANA member ID 
• Brief description of your project 

Sometimes it can be difficult to fully explain a request in writing. Feel free to make your initial request by calling the Archivist. Once you both have a better understanding of the scope of the project and the resources available from the Archives, expect a follow-up email to confirm the details. This follow-up will give you a timeline for when you can expect a response. 

Please be aware that handling requests does take some time. Reach out early to be sure the Archivist can give your inquiry the attention it deserves before your project is due. When you do get a response, don’t forget to send a quick reply to confirm that you received any information or attachments. This is also a good time to address any additional questions or requests. 

If you have something you would like to donate to the Archives-Library, please Contact Us or 847-655-1106. 

Donations are accepted on a case-by-case basis.  

• Advancing the Art and Science of Anesthesia for 75 Years: A Pictorial History of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology  

• Watchful Care: A History of America’s Nurse Anesthetists by Marianne Bankert
   
• Ira P Gunn, Nurse Anesthetist: Writings & Wisdom from a Legendary Nursing Leader 

• Imagining in Time: A historical column in the AANA Journal 

• A Different Kind of Nurse video