About the University Archives

Overview

Role of the University Archives

The University of Chicago Archives collects and preserves official records, publications, and other materials in all formats documenting the history of the University of Chicago and the work of its trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students, donors, and alumni. The University Archives forms part of the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, the University of Chicago Library’s principal repository for rare books, manuscripts, and archives.

Definition of University Records

University records are the administrative files, documents, publications, and other materials created by administrators and staff in the course of official business and management of programs at the University of Chicago. These materials include:

  • minutes and other records of the Board of Trustees
  • minutes and other records of administrative boards, committees, and faculty bodies of the University
  • administrative records of the University President, Provost, Vice Presidents, and other officers of the central administration of the University
  • administrative records of all academic divisions, professional schools, departments, institutes, laboratories, offices, centers, programs, and committees of the University
  • administrative records of the University of Chicago Press, University Library, University alumni relations and development, continuing education, the Laboratory Schools, and all other educational and institutional programs of the University

Policy for Preserving University Records

All records and documents created in the course of official business and management of programs at the University of Chicago are the property of the University. Administrators and staff in the offices where records and documents are created are responsible for the management, preservation, and security of these records so long as they remain in active use. Records, documents, publications, and other materials that are no longer in active use continue to have institutional, legal, and historical value and should be preserved. Inactive records and files should not be discarded or dispersed in any way until the University Archives has reviewed the material and made a decision about disposition and transfer to the Archives.

Collection Strengths

Faculty Papers

Faculty collections are a particular strength of the University Archives. Collections include the professional papers of twenty Nobel Prize laureates in the fields of Chemistry, Economics, Literature, Medicine, and Physics. Among the Nobel laureates represented are

Additional faculty collections of note include professional papers of

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The University of Chicago Library believes that a diverse and inclusive environment builds a stronger, more creative community where we broaden approaches to our work and make better decisions. We encourage open and honest discussion, reflect on our assumptions, and actively seek viewpoints beyond our own. We welcome different perspectives as they challenge and motivate us to learn and respect the uniqueness that we each bring to our shared endeavors.

Further information about the Library's mission, values, and strategic directions