doi:10.7916/d8-3gs8-gs17Oral history interview with Alma Kesner 1997Kesner, Almaoral historiessound recordingssound recording - nonmusicalKesner, AlmaColumbia UniversityLamont-Doherty Earth ObservatoryVema (Ship)Childhood: New York City environs; director of book clubs, the Heritage Club and the Readers Club; marriage 1941; early Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory [LDEO] impressions: typist, 1956; informal atmosphere; government security clearance; LDEO purchasing agent and accounts payable manager, 1958-1980: interfacing with Columbia University’s Purchasing and Accounts Payable Departments; government audits; social environment; campus layout; running cafeteria; purchasing supplies for research vessel Vema; transportation of supplies to Bermuda station; impressions of LDEO directors; difficulties expanding LDEO facilities; electronic and machine shops; Columbia Presidential Award Recipient; interpersonal tensions among staff, late 1960s to 1970s; staff departures; reminiscences of colleagues and their families.