Images courtesy of Consumer Action

Consumer Movement Archives

The Consumer Movement Archives (CMA) was established in 1987 through the initiative of Richard L.D. Morse, a prominent leader in the consumer movement and Kansas State University professor. Broadly defined, the consumer movement consists of individuals and organizations that advocate for the rights and welfare of consumers, especially when those rights are violated by corporations and governments.

The CMA preserves and documents the history of the consumer movement in the United States. It provides a repository for the papers and records of consumer leaders, activists, and organizations, and it promotes scholarly use of the material.

The CMA holdings include collections from individuals who worked to protect the rights and safety of consumers. State and national consumer organization records from groups like the Arizona Consumers Council, National Consumer Law Center, the American Council on Consumer Interest, and the Consumer Federation of America are also preserved. In addition, several collections document consumer activities at the international level.

Key issues of interest within the collection include consumer history, protection, rights, health and safety, finance (e.g. truth in lending and savings), products, representation in government, law, and cooperatives. Types of materials include correspondence, minutes, reports, policies, legal and financial documents, photographs, and electronic records.

You may also be interested in...

• The Marjorie J. and Richard L. D. Morse Family and Community Public Policy Scholarship, provides funds for a K-State undergraduate student to work on a project that impacts public policy and involves community service.

Consumer Advocacy and Education Organizations

Donate to this collection

If you would like to donate materials to the Consumer Movement Archives, contact Academic Services Librarian Thomas Bell at thosbell@k-state.edu.