University Archives

An important part of the University Archives' mission concerns documenting the internal life and culture of the OSU community and placing it in a broader societal context. Consequently the University Archives actively acquires, organizes, and makes available the professional papers of the OSU faculty.

Faculty papers offer an insight into the history and operation of the University that otherwise may be lost by relying only on official administrative records. They are vital for our mission because they reveal the professional interests, opinions, and depth that can complement the administrative records, but they also offer a personal side. The viewpoints expressed in the personal correspondence and documentation resulting from involvement in the academic community can provide a better basis for understanding the University than depending only on the official records from administrative offices alone. In this way, faculty papers document the academic life of the University and relate one's academic career to his or her total interests, allowing for a richer, more complete historical record.

Without a broad range of faculty papers available for consultation, the University Archives cannot provide a full complement of perspectives regarding the historical activities of Oregon State University.

The following types of documentation reflect and illuminate the careers of OSU faculty and are sought by the University Archives:

• Correspondence: official, professional, and personal.
• Biographical material such as resumes, bibliographies, biographical sketches, chronologies, genealogies, newspaper clippings, and personal memoirs.
• Photographs and graphic materials, diaries, notebooks, appointment calendars, and memorabilia.
• Departmental or committee minutes and records.
• Records relating to service outside the university including community, state, and national service.
• Audio or video tape recordings of lectures, speeches, and discussions.
• Lecture notes and syllabi.
• Research files.
• Drafts and manuscripts of articles, technical reports and books written.

The OSU Libraries are also interested in other scholarly works that might otherwise not be published, preserved, or made accessible. These include:

• Pre-prints
• Peer-Reviewed Articles
• Books and Book Chapters
• Patents
• Technical and Contract Reports
• White Papers
• Field Research Output and Report
• Presentations
• Posters

The University Archives recognizes the rights of faculty and private donors to impose reasonable restrictions on materials to protect privacy and confidentiality. Restrictions on access should be for a fixed term and determined at the time of donation. The Archives encourages minimal access restrictions consistent with the legal rights of all parties.

The University Archives and OSU Libraries work with faculty members to select appropriate material for archiving regardless of format. For more information or to set up a consultation with an archivist, please contact the University Archives at (541) 737-2165 or archives [at] oregonstate [dot] edu.