The original order of the Karl Frank Lagler papers has been maintained and comprises one alphabetically arranged series of topical files.
The bulk of the documents within the files consist of correspondence between Lagler and other fishery biologists throughout the world. Also included, however, are files containing reports and minutes of meetings from a number of scientific and sporting associations in which Lagler was active. Lagler's research interests are well represented in the several groups of files dedicated to his various research projects. His work with salmon in Alaska as a consultant for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the summer of 1958 is particularly well documented. Research project files are alphabetized by geographic place name (i.e., Fleming Creek; Golden Lake; Port Walter, Alaska). In addition to background materials, notes, and final reports on the research project, many of these files contain a substantial amount of raw data on several Michigan lakes and ponds. Together, Lagler's correspondence with his colleagues, the materials he collected concerning his activities with a variety of organizations, and his own research materials chronicle the development of fishery conservation as a profession and as a science in the 1940s and 1950s.
The collection contains a fair amount of correspondence concerning several of Lagler's publications, but not as much as might be expected from such a prolific scholar. Although some course and University materials are included in the collection, there is little documentation of Lagler's administrative work as Chair of the Department of Fisheries from 1950 to 1965. Likewise, there is little documentation of Lagler's activities as a consultant for numerous foreign governments as well as for the United Nations.
Lagler filed his correspondence either by the last name of the correspondent or by subject. Therefore, researchers should search for materials on specific topics by both correspondent and subject.
Karl Frank Lagler was born November 15, 1912 in Rochester, New York, the son of Leo and Rosalie (Nicolet) Lagler. He received a B.A. in biology from the University of Rochester in 1934 and a M.S. in vertebrate zoology and fisheries from Cornell in 1936. Lagler joined the faculty of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources in 1939 and completed his Ph.D. in zoology and fisheries here in 1940. In 1950, Lagler was instrumental in the establishment of the Department of Fisheries within the School of Natural Resources and served as chairman of the department until 1965. In addition to being named the Justin V. Leonard Distinguished Professor of Natural Resources in 1977, Lagler was awarded the title of professor emeritus (1984) following his retirement in 1983.
Lagler achieved both national and international recognition as an expert on fisheries, conservation, and the fishes of the Great Lakes Region. Lagler was active in numerous professional societies, elected to fellowship in six national and international scientific associations, and served as president for both the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists and the International Academy of Fishery Scientists in the 1960s. Lagler traveled widely as a consultant for many governmental and private agencies, both domestic and foreign, including the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization.
An energetic and prolific scholar, Lagler authored or co-authored more than one hundred-thirty technical and popular articles, papers, and books. In 1950, Lagler taught the first university telecourse, and went on to complete more than one hundred educational television programs, as well as a weekly radio show on conservation from 1963 to 1972. Tapes of several Lagler television programs, as well as scripts, study guides, and one tape of the university telecourse, are held by the Bentley Historical Library as part of the Michigan Media Collection.
Karl Frank Lagler died August 25, 1985.
