Clean Out Your Office by Donating to the University Archives

Photo Submitted

Copy of Hank Hancock Razorback sketch, ca. 1925 (MC 1488), nearly lost to posterity in a pile on Coach Smitty's desk. The sketch was reprinted in Hancock's 'A History of Arkansas Razorbacks.'

Do you have outdated files taking up precious office space? The University Archives may be able to help. Faculty and staff are invited to a repeat of a popular presentation by Amy Allen, University Archivist, about the kinds of documents and other materials that are appropriate to donate to the archives. This presentation will be held in Mullins Library, room 104, at 10 a.m. this Friday, Dec. 12.

Established in 2010 as a unit within the University Libraries’ Special Collections, the University Archives seeks donations of materials documenting the history of the University of Arkansas campus. It serves as a repository for non-current official materials of enduring value that document the institutional memory of the University. The University Archives collects materials in both paper and electronic form, everything from meeting minutes to maps, scrapbooks to sketches.     

Since the State of Arkansas has no records retention laws, the University Archives depends on voluntary donations of materials to document the history of the university. During this presentation, Allen will clarify the types of materials that should be donated to the University Archives and those that can be discarded. Office managers, administrative assistants, faculty and staff who manage files are especially encouraged to attend.

Special Collections currently holds more than 200 manuscript collections related to university history. Seven collections relating to university history have been released recently for research. These collections include Associated Student Government Records (MC 532), College of Education Faculty Records (MC 130), College of Education Records (MC 163), Geology Club Materials (MC 1983), Judo Club Materials (MC 309), Student Army Training Corps Materials (MC 265), and University Senate Commencement Committee Records (MC 60). You can view a complete list of collections and finding aids to check what kinds of materials are in these collections, or to see whether your department has materials in the archives.

If you are unable to attend the presentation but would like to learn about the University Archives, Allen is also available for individual consultation by contacting ala005@uark.edu or 479-575-6370. Or, read about the University Archives and its collection policy on the University Libraries' website.