Gilbreth, Frank B. Motion Study Photographs, 1913-1917
Collection Number: 6126 P
Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives
Cornell University Library
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Title:
Frank B. Gilbreth Motion Study Photographs, 1913-1917
Repository:
Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives
Collection Number:
6126 P
Abstract:
Motion studies conducted by Frank B. Gilbreth were undertaken to analyze the efficiency
and productive capacity of industrial workers. Photographs were made as single prints,
in stereo, or as time series recording component operations which constitute a larger
process. Images included in the collection document research techniques, equipment,
and operations under analysis.
Creator:
Gilbreth, Frank B.
Quanitities:
0.33 cubic feet
Language:
Collection material in English
Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Sr. (July 7, 1868 June 14, 1924)
Gilbreth was a pioneer of motion study and is perhaps best known as the father and
central figure of 'Cheaper by the Dozen'.
Gilbreth discovered his vocation as a young building contractor, he looked for ways
to make bricklaying faster and easier. As time went on he worked with his wife, Lillian
Moller Gilbreth, who studied work habits of manufaturing and clerical employees in
all types of industries. He and Lillian started a management consulting firm, Gilbreth,
Inc.
While serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, he was assigned to find a quicker
and more efficient way to assemble and disasseble small arms. According to Claude
George (1968), Gilbreth reduced all motions of the hand into some combinations of
17 basics motions. Gilbreth named the motions therbligs, "Gilbreth" spelled backwards
with the th transposed. He used a motion picture camera that was calibrated in fractions
of minutes to time the motions workers made.
The Gilbreths were, above all, scientist who sought to teach managers that all aspects
of the workplace should be constantly questioned. They believed with the use of their
therbligs, there was 'one best way' to do almost anything.
Motion studies conducted by Frank B. Gilbreth were undertaken to analyze the efficiency
and productive capacity of industrial workers. Photographs were made as single prints,
in stereo, or as time series recording component operations which constitute a larger
process. Images included in the collection document research techniques, equipment,
and operations under analysis.
Access to the collections in the Kheel Center is restricted. Please contact a reference
archivist for access to these materials.
This collection must be used in keeping with the Kheel Center Information Sheet and
Procedures for Document Use.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Frank B. Gilbreth Motion Study Photographs #6126 P. Kheel Center for Labor-Management
Documentation and Archives, Cornell University Library.
Related Collections: 5424 mf: Frank Gilbreth Papers on Microfilm
Names:
Gilbreth, Frank Bunker, 1868-1924
CONTAINER LIST
|
Container
|
Description
|
Date
|
|
| Box 1 | Folder 1 |
Research Techniques
|
|
|
Scope and Contents
4 photographs
|
|||
| Box 1 | Folder 2 |
Equipment
|
|
|
Scope and Contents
13 photographs
|
|||
| Box 1 | Folder 3 |
Typists - Motion Studies
|
|
|
Scope and Contents
7 photographs
|
|||
| Box 1 | Folder 4 |
Various Activities - Motion Studies
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|
|
Scope and Contents
13 photographs
|
|||
| Box 1 | Folder 5 |
Workers Photographs
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|
|
Scope and Contents
4 photographs
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