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Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, a division of the Purdue Libraries, is the designated repository for collecting the records that document Purdue history. As part of its mission, the Archives collects records generated by Purdue staff and departments as part of official university business, as well as the personal and professional papers of distinguished Purdue faculty, staff, and alumni. University records and personal papers of noteworthy individuals affiliated with the university provide a rich source for historical research.
The following guidelines will assist individuals in identifying materials that are appropriate for transferring to the Archives.
The Archives and Special Collections is primarily interested in unpublished, original materials relating to the history of Purdue University and materials relating to the lives, careers, and accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, and alumni affiliated with Purdue University. The Archives also collects at least one copy of every publication created by Purdue University and its various departments.
The following are examples of the types of materials collected by Archives and Special Collections. This list is not comprehensive, but it includes examples of materials that have research value for studying the founding, growth, and evolution of Purdue departments and history, as well as the lives and careers of individuals associated with Purdue. If you have items that are not on this list, please ask a member of the archives staff.
Material should be packed in sturdy boxes and numbered (1 of X, 2 of X). Materials should be transferred into boxes in the same order in which the department or individual maintained them, to best reflect the functions of the department or individual.
A letter briefly identifying the material and which department or individual is donating it should accompany the transfer. Please contact the Archivist at the Contact information below when you are ready to transfer materials to the Archives.
All collections accepted by the Archives will be cataloged and stored securely in appropriate temperature and humidity conditions to preserve the collections as long as possible. Archives staff members are available to provide assistance to individuals interested in using the collections in the Archives Reading Room. Because the collections are unique and irreplaceable the collections may not be checked out of the Archives.
Departments or individuals interested in additional services, such as digitization or exhibit of collections should contact an archivist (contact information below) to discuss costs and details regarding these services.
For more information, please contact the archives by email at archives@purdue.edu, by phone at (765) 494-2839, or by visiting our location inside the Humanities, Social Science & Education Library (HSSE) in Stewart Center.