### The Role of Universities in Preserving Dime Novels and Story Papers
Dime novels and story papers are an important part of the literary and cultural history of the United States, dating back to the mid-19th century. These inexpensive, mass-produced publications were widely read by a diverse audience and played a significant role in promoting literacy and shaping popular culture. As these materials age and deteriorate, numerous universities have taken up the task of preserving and digitizing them for future generations. In this essay, we will discuss the efforts of several universities leading the charge in this area.
_Northern Illinois University (NIU)_ has established the [Edward T. LeBlanc Memorial Dime Novel Bibliography Project](https://dimenovels.org/) to continue the work of the late Edward T. LeBlanc, a prominent dime novel scholar. The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive bibliography of dime novels, story papers, and other related materials. NIU's Rare Books and Special Collections department houses a significant collection of dime novels, including the [Johannsen Collection](https://libraries.niu.edu/rarebooks/dime-novels/albert-johannsen.shtml), which is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.
_Stanford University_ is another institution that has taken the preservation of dime novels and story papers seriously. The [Dime Novel and Story Paper Collection](https://library.stanford.edu/collections/dime-novel-and-story-paper-collection) at the Special Collections & University Archives department holds thousands of items in various formats, including serials, books, manuscripts, and ephemera. Through digitization efforts, Stanford has made many of these materials accessible online, allowing researchers and enthusiasts alike to explore this captivating part of American literary history.
_Villanova University_ is also actively involved in the preservation and promotion of dime novels and story papers. The [Digital Library@Villanova University](https://digital.library.villanova.edu/) features a vast collection of digitized dime novels and story paper publications. Some of their notable collections include [The Dime Novel and Popular Literature](https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Dime%20Novels%20and%20Popular%20Literature), which contains over 6,000 items, and the [Nick Carter Detective Library](https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Dime%20Novels%20and%20Popular%20Literature/Nick%20Carter%20Detective%20Library) that focuses on the iconic detective character featured in many dime novels.
_The University of South Florida (USF)_ is another institution that has recognized the importance of preserving dime novels and story papers. The [USF Dime Novels Collection](https://digital.lib.usf.edu/dimenovels) houses an extensive array of digitized dime novels and story papers, covering a range of genres from action and adventure to romance and mystery. The collection also includes the [Yellow Back Library](https://digital.lib.usf.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/Y10) and the [Boy's Star Library](https://digital.lib.usf.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/Y14), which are both significant for scholars and historians studying these forms of popular literature.
These universities are just a few examples of the institutions working to ensure that the cultural significance and historical value of dime novels and story papers are preserved and accessible for future generations. Their efforts in digitizing these materials and making them widely available online not only contribute to our understanding of the past but also serve as a testament to the power and impact of storytelling throughout history.
