Jay Reid Gould (1906-1999)
Papers, 1946-1994.

Biographical Note

Jay Reid Gould was born on March 15, 1906 in Aylesford, Nova Scotia. He attended the University of British Columbia and later Acadia University, receiving a B.A in 1926. He earned an M.A. from Harvard in 1929, and soon after began teaching English at Rensselaer. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Massachusetts and the New South Wales Institute of Technology. Professor Gould established the first collegiate program in technical communication in 1953, and served as director of Rensselaer’s Technical Writers’ Institute for many years.

Gould authored or edited several books and numerous journal articles on various aspects of writing. He spoke widely to professional societies and businesses. In addition to his work with professional writers, Gould emphasized the need to improve writing skills among engineers and within other technical fields to promote better communication and opportunities for career advancement.

Gould was active in several professional associations, including the Society for Technical Communication, the American Business Writing Association, the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing, and the American Medical Writers Association. He was named a fellow of the ABWA and the STC, the latter of which created the Jay R. Gould Award for excellence in teaching technical writing.

In 1929 Gould co-founded the RPI Players, directing the troupe in numerous plays. He also published several short plays, many of which have been produced throughout the United States. He served as faculty advisor to the Rensselaer Engineer, a technical journal published by RPI students. In recognition of his advisory contributions, Gould received the George O. Hays Award from the American Society for Engineering Education in 1970.

Professor Gould retired from Rensselaer in 1972. He died on February 8, 1999.

Scope and Contents

These papers primarily relate to Jay R. Gould’s career as an educator and writer. The bulk of the material consists of books, articles and reprints, drafts, and manuscripts written by Gould. There are also teaching materials, speeches, notes for presentations, and one folder of theatrical writings. His correspondence largely pertains to his books, articles and speaking engagements, but also includes a few publishing contracts, as well as letters of support and a citation for the Hays Award.

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