Guidelines for Retiring Faculty On Donating Materials to the University Libraries
The University Libraries are expanding the archival program to better document the history of the University of Arkansas. We seek to collect manuscripts, research files, office files, personal materials and books compiled by University of Arkansas Faculty members. Your collections have the potential to provide valuable information for future researchers on both your personal research topics and the history of the University of Arkansas.
Donation is simple, and a professional librarian or archivist is available to help you. Contact information can be found below. Materials do not need to be re-organized before donation. Simply retain the order that the materials are currently in, and an archivist will do the arranging.
Books
Books will be assessed by a subject selector librarian to determine if they are desired for general circulation. If you have books you would like to donate to the library, please contact:
Mary Gilbertson, Head of Acquisitions
479-575-5417
mag@uark.edu
Papers/Manuscripts
The Special Collections division of the library collects personal and professional papers. Professional papers include files which relate to research you have conducted and official duties you have performed during your employment at the U of A.
Please consult with an archivist before and during this process. The University Archivist is available to assist with selection of appropriate materials, proper packing techniques, and transfer of materials.
Contact information:
Amy Allen, University Archivist
479-575-6370
ala005@uark.edu
1. Identify materials to transfer to the Archives
Materials of interest include but are not limited to:
- Biographical information: resumes, vitae, bibliographies, memoirs, and biographical sketches
- Departmental Reports
- University official correspondence: outgoing and incoming letters and memoranda relating to departmental and University business
- Professional correspondence: outgoing and incoming correspondence with colleagues, publishers, professional organizations, and former students
- Event Materials: event organization materials, promotional materials, programs, and speeches/ presentations given
- Departmental and University Committee Records: agenda, minutes, reports, correspondence and related material
- Research Data: raw data, manuscripts, and unpublished papers
- Publications: one print copy of all articles, books and reviews
- Audio-visual Materials: photographs, negatives, audio and video recordings
- Personal materials: diaries, correspondence, photographs
Because of broad variations in personal papers, it is advisable to consult with the University Archivist to determine how your own files relate to these guidelines. Additional information on University of Arkansas related materials
2. Sign Deed of Gift
A Deed of Gift will be prepared for your signature. A Deed of Gift is a simple contract transferring the ownership of the papers from the faculty member to the University Libraries. This document gives the University Libraries the authority to preserve and provide access to your materials according to standard archival principles.
For departmental staff members mediating donations of papers and files of deceased faculty members
An archivist needs to speak directly with the donor/ family member. Please either refer the donor directly to the University Archivist or obtain a valid phone number for the donor. The Special Collections division will create a Deed of Gift to be signed by the donor as part of the acquisition process.
The Special Collections division seeks materials related to its collection scope. The University Archivist is available to help the donor in selection of appropriate material.
Contact Information:
Amy Allen, University Archivist
479-575-6370
ala005@uark.edu