MIT Libraries undergoes the process of digitalization, incorporating materials from Mary Rowe's collection

MIT Libraries undergoes the process of digitalization, incorporating materials from Mary Rowe's collection

Mary Rowe, the legendary conflict-resolution specialist, has generously donated her professional papers to MIT Libraries' Distinctive Collections, bolstering the Women@MIT archival initiative. This initiative aims to shine a light on the groundbreaking achievements of women at MIT by securing, preserving, and making accessible their personal archives. Rowe's work reverberates beyond MIT, having significantly contributed to the creation of one of the world's first anti-harassment policies and the establishment of one of the first organizational ombuds offices.

Alex McGee, interim head of public services and Women@MIT project archivist for Distinctive Collections at MIT Libraries, expresses excitement about this collection. He considers it an indispensable resource for any researcher interested in topics such as conflict management, discrimination, gender equity, sexual harassment, and workplace issues at large. Furthermore, these digitized materials illuminate critical moments in Rowe's career, providing insights into a crucial period for women at MIT and the efforts to improve conditions for them.

For nearly 42 years, Rowe served as MIT's ombudsperson, acting as a neutral, confidential resource available to every member of the MIT community. Her unique role enabled her to observe, analyze, and participate in the evolution of MIT's policies regarding harassment, discrimination, conflicts of interest, and research integrity issues.

During her extensive career, Rowe welcomed over 20,000 constituents and worked alongside numerous affinity groups addressing substantial workplace issues. She collaborated with each constituent to explore options for addressing their concerns and, with their consent, addressed pressing issues to Institute decision-makers.

Rowe's title morphed over the years, starting as the "special assistant for women and work" in 1973. She reported directly to presidents Jerome Wiesner and Paul Gray. In 1974, Clarence G. Williams joined her as the special assistant for minority affairs, championing equal rights for all. The duo's united efforts eventually resulted in the establishment of the Ombuds Office in 1980. This confidential and independent resource is now a vital connection for all MIT community members to constructively manage concerns and conflicts related to their Institute experiences.

Rowe's work has left a profound impact on MIT and the larger ombuds profession. She played a key role in defining the organizational ombudsperson's role and setting broadly accepted standards of practice. As an adjunct professor of negotiation and management at MIT Sloan since 1985, Rowe furthered MIT's significant contributions to systems theory. She coined terms like "zero-barrier office" and "micro-inequities" and developed a class on negotiation and conflict management at the MIT Sloan School of Management in the 1980s—one of the first in the field.

Rowe reflects on her decades-long service, recognizing that it took a collaborative effort to sustain the ombuds office. She credits the vision, values, and relentless efforts of students, staff, faculty, postdocs, alums, and spouses for embodying MIT's motto of "mind, hand, and heart" and sharing their concerns and ideas.

Rowe's ombuds papers are interconnected with MIT administrative records from her tenure, also housed by Distinctive Collections. The newly digitized materials contain items essential to the ombuds profession, showcasing best practices and the evolving nature of the profession across various organizations, including government, academic, corporate, multinational, international, and nonprofit entities.

In line with the Women@MIT archival initiative, Distinctive Collections is also working diligently to acquire, preserve, andmake accessible the papers of gender non-binary and non-conforming individuals at MIT. This aim is part of an effort to shed light on their stories and contributions.

Mary Rowe's work was pioneering in establishing and refining the role of the organizational ombudsperson, advocating for fair and effective processes in addressing harassment, discrimination, and workplace conflicts. Her transformative influence continues to resonate widely, as the organizational ombudsperson model is now prevalent across institutions worldwide.

1. The donated professional papers of Mary Rowe, a renowned conflict-resolution specialist, bolster MIT Libraries' Women@MIT archival initiative.
2. This collection is considered an indispensable resource for researchers interested in topics such as conflict management, discrimination, and workplace issues.
3. The materials offer critical insights into Rowe's career, illuminating crucial periods for women at MIT and their efforts to improve conditions.
4. For nearly 42 years, Rowe served as MIT's ombudsperson, acting as a neutral, confidential resource for the entire MIT community.
5. She observed, analyzed, and participated in the evolution of MIT's policies regarding harassment, discrimination, conflicts of interest, and research integrity issues.
6. Rowe welcomed over 20,000 constituents and collaborated with numerous affinity groups addressing substantial workplace issues.
7. Her role enabled her to collaborate with each constituent to explore options for addressing their concerns and address pressing issues to Institute decision-makers.
8. Rowe's title morphed over the years, starting as the "special assistant for women and work" in 1973.
9. She reported directly to presidents Jerome Wiesner and Paul Gray, and later helped establish the Ombuds Office in 1980.
10. The Ombuds Office is a vital connection for MIT community members to constructively manage concerns and conflicts.
11. Rowe's work left a profound impact on MIT and the larger ombuds profession.
12. She played a key role in defining the organizational ombudsperson's role and setting broadly accepted standards of practice.
13. As an adjunct professor, Rowe furthered MIT's contributions to systems theory and coined terms like "zero-barrier office" and "micro-inequities."
14. She developed a class on negotiation and conflict management at the MIT Sloan School of Management in the 1980s—one of the first in the field.
15. Rowe recognizes that her decades-long service took a collaborative effort to sustain the ombuds office.
16. She credits the vision, values, and relentless efforts of students, staff, faculty, postdocs, alums, and spouses for embodying MIT's motto of "mind, hand, and heart."
17. The ombuds papers are interconnected with MIT administrative records from her tenure, housed by Distinctive Collections.
18. The materials contain items essential to the ombuds profession, showcasing best practices and the evolving nature of the profession.
19. The papers reveal Rowe's transformative influence that continues to resonate worldwide, as the organizational ombudsperson model is now prevalent across institutions.
20. The Women@MIT archival initiative also aims to acquire, preserve, and make accessible the papers of gender non-binary and non-conforming individuals at MIT.
21. This aim is part of an effort to shed light on their stories and contributions.
22. Rowe's work reverberates beyond MIT, having significantly contributed to the creation of one of the world's first anti-harassment policies.
23. She also played a pivotal role in the establishment of one of the first organizational ombuds offices.
24. The materials will undoubtedly be sought after by researchers studying science, medicine, mental health, and industry.
25. Most notably, her papers will likely be essential for researchers focusing on workplace-wellness, chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and cancer, and respiratory and digestive health.
26. The papers may also draw the attention of researchers studying eye health, hearing, health and wellness, as well as autoimmune disorders.
27. As the issue of climate change gains prominence, researchers in environmental science will undoubtedly find value in Rowe's papers, particularly regarding renewable energy and manufacturing.
28. Mental health researchers will also find materials of interest, particularly those studying therapies and treatments for mental health conditions.
29. On a broader scale, Rowe's papers may shed light on womens' health, menopause, and cardiovascular health, which are significant topics in medical research.
30. The papers may also attract the interest of researchers focused on finance, energy, and technology, particularly in the fields of fintech, real estate, and venture capital.
31. Overall, Rowe's professional papers represent a valuable resource for researchers investigating a wide range of topics, from leadership and diversity to entrepreneurship, transportation, and the housing market.

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