About the University Records

Introduction |  Access and Services |  Outreach Services |  Records Management
Publications |  Non-Official Records & Donations

Introduction

The Department of Special Collections and University Archives is the official repository for the records of Marquette University. Archives staff members evaluate, preserve, organize and provide access to documentary sources dating from the mid-19th century to the present. These historical records exist in many formats, including handwritten, typewritten and printed documents; photographic negatives, prints, and slides; motion picture film, audio and video tape; architectural plans and blueprints; oral history tapes and transcripts; University publications; and scrapbooks, artifacts, and ephemera. Founded in 1961, the University Archives currently houses more than 4,800 cubic feet of records. Students and alumni may enjoy reading a general overview of collections likely to be of interest to them.

Access and Services

The University Archives program provides access services to faculty, staff, students, alumni and the general public. The Archives offers an important instructional component for many undergraduate and graduate courses. Reference staff also provides research services to administrative offices.

Online descriptive inventories provide box- and folder-level access to the University records.

Audio-visual services--including photographic reprints, digital scanning, audio and video duplication--are available for a fee. All photographic images are copyrighted and require written permission to publish.

Access and copyright restrictions apply to some University records. Please inquire as to procedures for access.

Outreach Services

The University Archives serves as a resource to foster creative teaching, learning, and research. Outreach activities within the University Archives includes bibliographic instruction, along with presentations, exhibits, and publications about Marquette history. Special historical exhibits are prepared annually for the Golden Jubilee Reunion and Alumni Weekend, and other all-campus events.

Records Management

The University Archives staff seeks to identify and preserve all University records that have long term administrative, legal, financial, or historical value. On-site consultations often are the best method for surveying and selecting records for continued retention. Specific information on the retention and the disposition of University records may be obtained by contacting the University / Digital Records Archivist. All records transfers should be accompanied by a transmittal form, and a typed list of folders in each box is extremely helpful in appraising the records and in retrieving files prior to processing.

Publications

The University Archives collects all publications issued by the University, including new releases, handbooks, catalogs and bulletins, and commencement and athletic programs. Vital sources for studying campus life, complete files of the following student publications are also maintained:

    Marquette Journal, 1904-ongoing
    Hilltop student annual, 1915-1996
    Marquette Tribune, newspaper, 1916-ongoing

Recent publications faculty, staff, and alumni are acquired and maintained in the MU Writes and Alumni Writes archival collections.

Permanent copies of all graduate essays, theses, and dissertations are also maintained in the University Archives. Theses and dissertations are cataloged in MARQCAT.

Non-Official Records/Donations

The University Archives collects non-official records documenting the history of Marquette. This includes the personal and professional papers of faculty; organizational records of student groups; papers, photographs, and memorabilia of alumni. Please contact the University Archivist if you are interested in donating materials.

Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and evening and weekend hours by appointment. On-site visitors are advised that some form of photographic identification is required for access to the Marquette University Libraries.

For further information contact:

Katie Blank, University / Digital Records Archivist  Email: katherine.blank@marquette.edu

OR

Amy Cooper Cary, Department Head     Email: amy.cary@marquette.edu

    Department of Special Collections and University Archives
    Raynor Library
    1355 W. Wisconsin Avenue
    P.O. Box 3141, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3141
    (414) 288-5901; FAX (414)288-6709