Contents
Overview
The University Archives supports Cornell’s mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge by collecting, and appropriately sharing records that document Cornell University’s history. The Archives serves as Cornell’s institutional memory, and as a resource for those interested in understanding Cornell’s history and impact on the world.
The University Archives relies on the assistance of the Cornell community, and beyond, in identifying materials of enduring value, and seeks materials in areas that are not represented, continue existing strengths or fill gaps in current holdings. We appreciate the help in documenting the history of our great University and those that have been a part of the Cornell University experience.
The University Archives has polices and guidelines that define what materials can be accepted by the University and steps that must take place before items can be added to the collections. Below are links sharing this information that will be useful for those who create, manage, or otherwise discover records of a historical nature that should be preserved.
What the University Archives Collects
As defined by Cornell University Policy 4.7, Retention of University Records, the University Archives collects and preserves Cornell University records of historical, legal, fiscal, and administrative value. It provides permanent retention of official records of the university, its officers, and component parts; including maps and architectural records; audiovisual materials; publications; and artifacts documenting the university’s history. Selected materials documenting the history of student life and organizations, athletics, academics, faculty research and teaching all fall within the scope of the University Archives. The University Archivist is responsible for designating which university records have historical value and approving their transfer for the University Archives.
Holdings in the collections come in many formats, including paper files, printed publications, bound volumes, film, audio and video recordings, print and digital photography, three-dimensional artifacts, and born-digital electronic records.
Cornelliana and General Historical University Ephemera
Immense amounts of Cornell University related items have produced since the University’s founding, and large amounts are preserved within the Archives. If you have historic Cornell material you would like to add to the University Archives review our Common Cornelliana page to see if what you have exists already in the collections. If what you have is unique, use the Cornell University Archives e-mail to share a description of materials you have. You may also find the links below about what the Archives collects and how to transfer material useful.
Faculty Papers, Student Groups, Alumni Organization Records, Materials Relating to Campus Life, Staff Operations and Auxiliary Services
Information about collecting the research and teaching records of individual Faculty or collections from Student Groups or Alumni Organizations or materials documenting various other University Activities and Operations, including details of what types of material are collected visit can be found on the Preserving Faculty Papers and Campus Activities page.
Official University Records, Departmental and Office Files
Information about official University records, Records Retention Policies, and on collecting Departmental and Office files can be found on the Preserving Departmental Records page.
Sending Materials to the University Archives
Preparing and Transferring Records
Procedures for contributing materials to the University Archives can be found on the Preparing and Transferring Records page.
Costs
Archival supplies for proper storage of historical materials and the process of their description and management, particularly large collections, is expensive. If the University Archives is providing supplies, such as acid free boxes or folders, for packing materials, they must only be used for materials destined for the University and any unused supplies returned. There is no fee to donate materials to the Archives, but financial support is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in learning more about providing support, please contact Michelle Houle Hitz, Director of Development, Library Alumni Affairs and Development.
Contacts
Evan Fay Earle
Dr. Peter J. Thaler ’56 University Archivist and Interim University Records Manager
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
For questions regarding collections or materials currently within the University Archives or other reference requests relating to University history contact the Reference Desk.
If you have items relating to University history or other Cornelliana and have questions regarding the potential acquisition of the material by the University Archives use the Cornell University Archives e-mail.
For questions regarding the preservation of official University Records as defined in Policy 4.7 or about Records Retention Policies use the Cornell University Records Management e-mail.
E-mail is the preferred initial method of communication, but phone messages may be left at 607-255-3530