Nationwide Library + History and Archives Center
When we walked into Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company‘s headquarters, we were immediately impressed by the open, illuminated space created by design. Nationwide’s library and archives are similar in that they are beacons shining light on both future and historically important decisions. We couldn’t wait to learn more about these private resources not open to the public.
Nationwide, a $46+ billion in sales, 34,000 employee national insurance company, relies on and heavily integrates its library and archives.
The corporate library was started in the 1930’s and today serves as more than an employee perk; it is an integral partner in professional development and data-driven decision making. Positioned as an enterprise-wide resource, the library provides research into insurance and financial services, IT trends and innovation and competitor market share. The library works to purchase resources for internal teams and provides access to important journal subscriptions.
Director Larae Schraeder says a role the Nationwide Library plays is to connect associates across the country with each other and to resources–ensuring knowledge is maximized and distributed. The library lives up to its motto delivering Nationwide “a smarter way to work.”
The Nationwide History and Archives Center is an incredible resource that preserves the company’s heritage for a strong future. With 300,000 pages of scanned documents; 3,000 films, videos and audio recordings and 200,000 photographs, the archives create insights into branding and advertising, department and organizational history, product backgrounds, corporate strategy evolution and more. In 2014, the archives played a role in Nationwide’s rebranding, and the archives communicate Nationwide’s legacy and progressive culture to inspire new associates.
The Archives Are at the Center of Engagement – Steve Hausfeld
Manager Steve Hausfeld shared the archives averages more than 1,500 tour visitors a year and much of the collection is built through relationships with current and former employees. Steve is passionate about the impact the archives provide and loves the diversity of work, associates’ enthusiasm for history and culture and leadership’s strong support.
While closed to the public, Nationwide’s Library and History & Archives Center bring invaluable research and historical context to tens of thousands across the United States. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more.
Special thanks to Steve Hausfeld, Larae Schraeder, Janet Goodburn and David Schneider for their generosity and willingness to give us a first-hand peek into Nationwide’s amazing library and archives.
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