The personal papers of Rear Admiral Richard W. Bates (1892-1973) cover the years 1915-1973. He was a commanding officer on many ships in the Navy. His collection consists of correspondence, subject files, writings, speeches, and miscellaneous items. The papers are arranged in four series based on an established file system. They mainly encompass Bates career as a Naval Officer, family, and social life in Newport, as well as other aspects of his career including published and unpublished writings, notes, photographs, slide presentations, and reports.

Biographical information and vita; Correspondence, official and personal letters sent and received, 1936–1994; Speeches, including notes, scripts, lectures and committee presentations, 1940–1993; Published writings, articles, papers and notes; Unpublished writings, journal entries, poems, articles and aviation logs; Military papers,orders, leave papers, fitness reports and retirement papers, 1925–1968; Subject Files, consulting reports, corporate board reports, 1958–1985; Career photographs; Newspaper clippings, certificates and maps.

Correspondence and administrative files of the Library Officer and Library Director; 1905–1996; Accession books, 1899–1958; Library publications, 1922–2000; Tauber Report and Library Survey, 1967–1971; Military Librarians’ Workshop planning files, 1969; Head, Technical Services Files, 1972–1999; OCLC Documents, 1985–1992; Periodicals and Serials Files, 1971–1985; Collection Development Files, 1978–1986; Reader Services Files, 1977–1993; Circulation Department Files, 1970–1988.

Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale (1923-2005) was a highly decorated naval aviator who spent nearly eight years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. He was the fortieth President of the Naval War College and after his retirement from the navy he served as President of The Citadel, Charleston, S.C and was an independent candidate for Vice President of the U.S. in 1992. This collection includes correspondence, photographs, newspaper articles, speeches, and writings relating to Stockdale’s naval and academic careers.