As announced last month, the Alcohol Studies Archives Exhibit was soft-launched and added to the RU Libraries Digital Exhibits page. The current, updated version features 51 pages with 403 images and 101 documents, with many links to related items in RUcore’s Alcohol Studies Collection.
In the history of alcohol research, Mark Keller’s name stands out prominently—as bibliographer, editor, and facilitator of research. Introducing the Mark Keller Papers of the Alcohol Studies Archive at Rutgers University Libraries (RUL) for the first time to the public, the exhibit features a compelling collection on Mark Keller, a defining figure in the development of modern alcohol science. Across ten exhibit pages, visitors can explore the many dimensions of his work and influence—from his groundbreaking editorial leadership and meticulous documentation practices to his friendships, lectures, and personal collection of ephemera in alcohol studies.
This multifaceted exhibit, “The Mark Keller Papers: A Legacy in Alcohol Studies,” does more than document a career. It tells the story of a man who dedicated his life to transforming how the world understood, studied, and talked about alcohol and its effects on society. Through photos, letters, publications, and behind-the-scenes reflections, the exhibit reveals a legacy that shaped generations of research and policy.
Mark Keller in 1953 (Image credit: SSAS Alumni News, Alcohol Studies Archive)
A Lifelong Archivist: The Keller Papers by Mark Keller
The Keller Papers were donated to the Center of Alcohol Studies by his daughter, Ita N. Wiener in 1997. The collection was preserved in the CAS Library, moved to RUL Annex in 2018, and partly digitized in 2023-2025 depositing documents in RUcore, the Rutgers University Community Repository. With background information from the Keller Papers Finding Aid, the first page introduces visitors to Keller’s meticulous approach to preserving knowledge. An experienced editor with the heart of an archivist, Keller collected everything—from meeting minutes and internal memos to rare books and foreign-language documents. What emerges is a portrait of a charismatic self-starter, a scholar, who not only understood how to best share new knowledge, but who believed in creating an intellectual infrastructure for alcohol studies.
The Editor-in-Chief: Shaping a Discipline
One of Keller’s most enduring contributions was his role as Editor of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol—a position he held for decades with a lifelong dedication. Under his visionary leadership, the Journal became a rigorous and trusted platform for multidisciplinary research. He set high editorial standards, mentored emerging scholars, and ensured that research in alcohol studies could stand up to academic scrutiny. The exhibit illustrates his editorial philosophy with RUcore links to examples of correspondence and editorial commentary that highlight his exacting, yet supportive tone. His insistence on clarity, scientific rigor, and ethical responsibility helped set the tone for the entire field.
Documenting Everything: Language, Data, and Definitions
Keller’s commitment to language and documentation is highlighted in the Documentation and Language Matters sections. He was among the first to recognize that definitions and terminology could shape the direction of research, policy, and public perception. In these sections, visitors will find drafts, glossaries, and correspondence in which Keller worked tirelessly to bring consistency to the field. Whether clarifying terms like “alcoholism” or pushing for standard reporting formats, Keller understood the power of language. His work helped lay the groundwork for more precise, ethical, and effective alcohol research.
A Voice for Alcohol Science: Public Speaking and Outreach
Keller also made significant contributions to the field through his numerous presentations, lectures, and invited talks. Public speaking provided him a platform to advocate for both evidence-based alcohol policy and public understanding. The exhibit includes photographs of Keller at conferences, typed transcripts and drafts of lectures with his handwritten notes, and images from memorable events in the field where he delivered keynote talks. The documents in the Keller Papers attest to his speaking style, described as clear, direct, and passionate—anchored in research, but always engaging and relatable. In a field often clouded by politics and stigma, Keller remained a clear and credible voice.
Collaborators and Colleagues: Jellinek and Beyond
The Keller–Jellinek page focuses on one of the most fruitful partnerships in the history of alcohol studies. Keller and Elvin Morton Jellinek (often called “the father of alcohol science”) worked closely during the formative years of the field. The exhibit features personal letters, co-authored documents, and photographs that reveal the intellectual camaraderie between the two men. More than collaborators, they were kindred spirits in many ways—both driven by the idea that scientific inquiry could improve lives. They both had unique roles in establishing the Yale and later the Rutgers CAS as leaders in the field. A close friend and admirer, Keller made several attempts to write Jellinek’s biography, as attested in his correspondence, in vain. The exhibit also reveals documentation on the development of the disease model of alcoholism, including Jellinek’s seminal book, The disease concept of alcoholism, edited and published by Keller, which remains a cornerstone in the field.
Artifacts of a Life: Memorabilia and Photos
To understand a more personal side of Keller, visitors can explore the Memorabilia and Photo Album sections. These pages bring Keller to life—not just as a scholar, but as a person. From awards and certificates to vintage conference materials and candid snapshots from an album of photos taken at his retirement dinner in 1977, this part of the exhibit also offers a glimpse into the culture and camaraderie of alcohol studies. Additionally, one striking element is the highly visible and documented respect Keller had among his peers. Images of him surrounded by researchers from around the world testify to his international influence and personal warmth.
A Life in Service of Libraries and Knowledge
The Keller and the Library page highlights not just Keller’s personal book collection that his daughter also donated to the CAS Library, but his deep and enduring commitment to libraries as institutions for information sharing. For Keller, the library was not just a passive collection of books—it was a resource, used to support research, teaching, editing, and mentoring. His personal notes and marginalia, preserved in many volumes, offer rare insights into the thought process of one of the field’s leading minds.
From the earliest days of his career, Keller understood that the advancement of science depends on how well information is preserved, organized, and made accessible. His advocacy for a standardized classification system and his meticulous attention to bibliographic detail reflect a scholar who saw libraries as the backbone of research. He worked tirelessly to ensure that alcohol studies had the infrastructure it needed to grow. For him, organizing knowledge wasn’t just a technical task; it was a form of stewardship and a vital contribution to the field’s future.
A Legacy of Rigor, Integrity, and Impact
Across all sections of the Keller exhibit, a clear picture emerges: Mark Keller was not just a contributor to alcohol studies—but, as a ‘documentalist,’ as he called himself, he was one of its chief architects. His influence is evident in the journals we read, the terms we use, the policies we debate, and the archives we consult. The Keller Papers serve more than just historical artifacts. As illustrated by the exhibit, the items can be used as authentic sources for understanding how the field developed—piece by piece, and policy by policy.
In an age of ephemeral articles and predatory publishing, Keller’s legacy reminds us why deep knowledge, careful documentation, and long-term dedication still matter. His meticulous approach was never about bureaucracy imposed by administration—instead, it was an expression of intellectual custody. That commitment to precision helped shape alcohol studies into a serious, respected field—one that still builds on the solid ground he helped lay.