Harold B. Lee Library. Department of Archives and Manuscripts
Dates
- Existence: 1974 - 1991
Administrative History
The Department of Archives of Manuscripts (1974-1991) was an administrative unit in the Harold B. Lee Library. It was divided into many areas of research including Photo Archives, Arts and Communication Archives, Archives of the Mormon Experience, Utah and the West Archives, Women's History Archives, Mesoamerican Archives, and Literary Archives. Primary source materials were collected, preserved, and arranged in all of these areas of focus. These materials were made available to patrons.
The J. Reuben Clark Jr. Library Archives department and the non-University Archives/Manuscripts department were formally united administratively in 1974 after the Library's name was changed to the Harold B. Lee Library in 1973. The department was then known as the Harold B. Lee Library, Archives and Manuscripts Department. In the 1980's a financial crisis hit private schools, resulting in a loss of support staff at the archives. The Chair or Head of the Department was Dennis Rowley (1974-1991) and the Curator of Special Collections was Chad J. Flake (1973-1991). In February 1991 Special Collections merged with the Department of Archives and Manuscripts to form the Department of Special Collections and Manuscripts.
Patrons who wished to use the materials within the Archives and Manuscripts department were required to complete an application form, with a statement of intention and photo ID, as well as have an interview with a full time staff member. There were three levels of access to Archives and Manuscripts: Single Access in which beginner level researchers were given approval for the use of one item at a time. Single Access patrons needed separate approval for each new collection requested. Next was Limited Access where more experienced patrons could use any unrestricted collection related to their topic without additional approval, and last was Open Access where mature scholars from BYU's faculty or other institutions were given approval to use any unrestricted collection regardless as to whether it related to their topic or not. Every patron's research was recorded on that patron's permanent registration and application form.
A limited Records Management program continued to function within the Department of Archives and Manuscripts, soliciting, collection, storing, and disposing of records from various University departments. In 1978 because of a shortage of space, the Records Center was moved outside the library, into the Heber J. Grant Building. It still functioned under the direction of the University Archivist. The Curator of Archives and Manuscripts reported to the Curator of Special Collections under the Director of Libraries. Full-time staff consisted of: the Curator, two University Archives people, the University Archivist, an Assistant to the University Archivist, a Union Pacific Micrographics Center coordinator, a cataloging and accessioning professional, two subject archives professionals, and one departmental secretary/office manager. Part-time staff consisted of 43 students who assisted in multiple divisions of the Archives department.
Citation:
BYU organizational history project, via WWW, Feb. 6, 2013: Harold B. Lee Library. Dept. of Archives and Manuscripts (Department of Archives of Manuscripts; 1974-1991; collection, preservation, and arrangement of primary sources; formed in merger of Univerity Archives and Manuscripts Department in 1974; chair, Dennis Rowley (1974-1991); in Feb. 1991 Special Collections merged with the Department of Archives and Manuscripts to form the Department of Special Collections and Manuscripts; included records management function until 1982)Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
Department of Archives and Manuscripts records
Collection contains files labeled "Dead Files" documenting department business and consists largely of correspondence.
Dennis Rowley papers
University Archives correspondence on collection development, 1998-2012
Correspondence files primarily contain correspondence, lists, and photographs to and from the University Archivist regarding materials held in the University Archives. Materials date from between 1998 and 2012.
University Archives general correspondence, 1986-2010
Correspondence contains letters and memos to and from the Brigham Young University Archives. Materials date from between 1986 and 2010.
University Archives general records, 1949-2002
Contains files covering a variety of topics related to the history of Brigham Young University. Materials contained include clippings, meeting minutes, reports, and correspondence. Materials date from between 1949 and 2002.
University Archives records
Contains materials focusing on the activities of the Brigham Young University Archives. Records concerning the acquisition and processing of materials are included, as well as materials regarding the history of Brigham Young University. Dates range from 1949 to 2013.
University Archives records on records management, 1982-2013
Contains correspondence, reports, papers, handbooks, and transfer records. Materials document the relationship between University Archives and University Records Management. Materials date from between 1982 and 2013.
University Records Management general correspondence, 1973-2009
Contains correspondence on issues surrounding Brigham Young University records management. Included is correspondence within Brigham Young University as well as to and from entities outside the University. Correspondence includes original and copies of memos, letters, and email printouts. Dates range from 1976 to 2009.
University Records Management records
Contains the records of University Records Management. Materials include correspondence, handbooks, retention schedules, sample materials from other universities and institutions, reports, and other materials used by Records Management. The records document the development of Brigham Young University's records management program.