LibGuides: Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives: University Archives

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University Archives

University Archives documents and preserves the history and records of Butler University. Materials within this institutional archive were created by or for Butler University, specifically those relating to the institution's operations and history. The collection is a combination of official institutional records and correspondence, student and alumni organizational records and ephemera, institutional publications, and research collections maintained by the department. Some frequently used resources and collections include academic bulletins and catalogs, alumni directories, The Butler Alumnal Quarterly (know published as the Butler Magazine), The Butler Collegian (student-run newspaper), the Drift (yearbook), the Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection (which includes text, visual images, and select architectural plans), and the Butler University Biographical Files Collection.

Below are the following sections of information:

Frequently Requested Collection Guides
Selection of Digital Resources
University Archives Collection Guides
University Archives Classification System
University Archives Inventory
Additional Resources

NOTE: More collection guides will be made available from this page as collections continue to be processed. Some of the collection guides listed are older and outdated but have been made available in their current states to allow researchers a point of access. These collection guides will be updated to reflect new information and inventories as reprocessing takes place.

Please contact Special Collections with questions.

Frequently Requested Collection Guides

UA00.01: Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection
The Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection includes text materials (correspondence, documents, ephemera, publications), images (illustrations, photographs), and architectural plans relating to buildings and grounds owned by, used by, or associated with Butler University, circa 1855–present.
UA00.10: Butler University in America's Wars Collection
The Butler University in America’s Wars Collection (UA00.10) contains both primary and secondary sources documenting the role of the University and its affiliated students, faculty, staff, and alumni during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, 1862–1946. For all of the wars covered in the collection, there are research files documenting the students who participated. The majority of the collection documents the University during World War II. These materials include general research files—including a history outline—administrative papers, official payroll records, a ledger containing names of affiliated individuals who served during the war, the “Two Block” newsletter, information on the 52nd College Training Detachment of the Army Air Force and Naval Training School (which was operated out of the University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse), and student correspondence and ephemeral materials donated from two individuals. A highlight of the collection is the Butler University World War I service flag. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
JCA Department of Theatre Records
The Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Department of Theatre Records (UA04.06) contains materials documenting the history of the Butler University Department of Theatre’s productions for over seventy-five years, circa 1946 to 2022. Select types of materials found in the collection include ephemera, photographs, posters, programs, and newspaper clippings and other research files.

Selection of Digital Resources

The following are a selection of resources (some available online and others only described) that are held in University Archives. While this is not a full inventory of what University Archives holds, it is a starting place for researchers.

Academic Bulletins
Academic bulletins and catalogues provide information on course offerings, student lists, and even institutional history depending on the year. Copies from 1855 to 1904 are available online. The department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives holds a nearly full run through the present.
Butler Alumnal Quarterly (Alumni Magazine)
The Butler Alumnal Quarterly was the first alumni publication produced by Butler University. This first iteration of a publication for alumni ran from 1912 to 1937; the publication changed titles after 1937 and after several changes and revisions lives on today as the Butler Magazine. The Butler Alumnal Quarterly from 1912 to 1923 is available online. A nearly full run of alumni publications are held in the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives. Other miscellaneous institutional publications are also held in Special Collections.
Butler Alumni Directories
Butler University has published several directories of alumni over the years. Two editions are available online (1855-1900; 1856-1912); due to copyright and privacy issues, newer editions are not available online. The department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives holds copies of alumni directories.
Butler University Student Newspaper (The Butler Collegian)
The Butler Collegian is the Butler University student-run newspaper on campus. Most issues are available to view online. The department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives holds a near-full run of the Butler Collegian.
See the Resource Guides section on the Special Collections website for more detailed information on accessing and searching the Butler Collegian.
Butler University Yearbook (The Drift)
The Drift is the Butler University yearbook. All editions are available online. The department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives holds a full run of the Drift.
See the Resource Guides section on the Special Collections website for more detailed information on accessing and searching the Drift.

University Archives - Collection Guides

UA00.00: Butler University Research Files
The Butler University Research Files Collection (UA00.00) includes records—which were created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University—that cover various research topics related to the history of Butler University. The records exist to help in answering frequently asked and unique research questions regarding the University and to provide future access to any findings. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.01: Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection
The Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection includes text materials (correspondence, documents, ephemera, publications), images (illustrations, photographs), and architectural plans relating to buildings and grounds owned by, used by, or associated with Butler University, circa 1855–present.
UA00.02: Butler University Biography Research Files
The Butler University Biography Research Files Collection (UA00.02) includes records—which were created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University—containing general information along with primary and secondary sources about Butler University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators. The records exist to help in answering commonly asked and unique research questions about individuals associated with the University and providing future access to any findings. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.03: Butler University Events Research Collection
The Butler University Events Research Collection includes correspondence, documents, ephemera, and publications documenting significant events held at and traditions of Butler University. Such events documented within the collection include Commencement and Baccalaureate, Homecoming (including predecessor and related gatherings such as Alumni Day and alumni reunions), Founders’ Day, and general campus convocations. The collection includes many primary source materials (including ephemeral leaflets and pamphlets, mailings, and programs) in addition to research files that contain originals as well as photocopies of articles and other secondary sources documenting events. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.04: Butler University Publications Collection
The Butler University Publications Collection contains publications published by, for, under, or in association with Butler University (including predecessor institutions). Types of publications in the collection include: annual reports; bulletins and catalogues; directories; handbooks; serials and periodicals; and non-serials, monographs, and reports. This collection is not comprehensive but contains many miscellaneous or small-run publications; Butler University publications that have longer publication histories or have already been catalogued and are findable using the Butler University Libraries online catalog are not included in this collection (e.g. The Drift, The Butler Collegian, Manuscripts). The collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.05: Butler University Ephemera
The Butler University Ephemera (UA00.05) collection contains ephemeral materials created by, for, under, or in association with Butler University, circa 1950–2021. The definition of ephemera—according to the Society of American Archivists’ Dictionary of Archives Terminology—is “Materials, usually printed documents, created for a specific, limited purpose, and generally designed to be discarded after use.” Select types of materials found in the collection include advertisements, announcements, cards, clippings, flyers, invitations, keepsakes, leaflets, memorabilia, pamphlets, postcards, programs, promotional materials, samples, signs, and souvenirs. General topics include University promotions, campus news, general University event announcements, department information and news, and student and faculty organization information. Specific topics include Welcome Week leaflets and pamphlets; student, faculty and staff, and alumni appreciation event materials; Family Weekend and Parent Guides; and general student organization and Greek organization booklets. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.06: Butler University Artifacts
The Butler University Artifacts (UA00.06) collection contains a variety of objects created by, for, under, or in association with Butler University (including predecessor institutions) in addition to unassociated individuals and companies to sell to University-associated individuals, circa 1900–2020. The definition of artifact—according to the Society of American Archivists’ Dictionary of Archives Terminology—is “a physical object that is made or modified by human culture” or “a library or archival resource that has value as a physical object in addition to its informational content.” The purpose of these objects varies but includes to advertise, promote, or serve to represent the University in some manner. Select items include band uniforms, banners, basketballs, buttons, cards, clothing, pennants, mascot costumes, souvenirs, etc. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.07: Butler University Audio and Audiovisual Materials
The Butler University Audio and Audiovisual Materials (UA00.07) collection contains audio and audiovisual materials created by, for, under, or in association with Butler University, 1963–2021. Select media formats include audiocassettes, magnetic tapes (e.g. reel-to-reel film), phonograph records, and videodiscs. Select topics include commencement ceremonies, marketing and promotion, and University events. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.08: Butler University Photographs and Visual Images
Butler University Photographs and Visual Images (UA00.08) contains photographs and visual images of Butler University people, places, events, activities, and other associated or representative objects and occurrences, circa 1870–2021. Select mediums include printed photographs, negatives, slides, glass-plate negatives, film, etc. Select topics include campus, historical University images, marketing and promotion, University marching band, and student life and activities. Most photographs have been gathered from various sources, but several sub-collections came directly from University Marketing. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.09: Butler University Course Materials and Student Assignments
Butler University Course Materials and Student Assignments (UA.00.09) contains materials created by Butler University students, faculty, and staff for University courses, circa 1960–2020. This collection is not a comprehensive or consistent sampling of student work but a random selection of course materials gathered by Special Collections over the years. Types of materials include ephemera, homework assignments, pamphlets, and syllabi. Some highlights include syllabi from “Teleclass” courses that allowed remote learning off campus using a television; undergraduate student papers about subjects and people relating to the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood (GE313: Urban Geography); a time capsule compiled by undergraduate students during the University’s sesquicentennial celebrations in 2005–2006 (HN200: 150 Years of Butler); and undergraduate student papers about the effects of the Civil War on Butler University (HN200: Butler in the Civil War). This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA00.10: Butler University in America's Wars Collection
The Butler University in America’s Wars Collection (UA00.10) contains both primary and secondary sources documenting the role of the University and its affiliated students, faculty, staff, and alumni during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, 1862–1946. For all of the wars covered in the collection, there are research files documenting the students who participated. The majority of the collection documents the University during World War II. These materials include general research files—including a history outline—administrative papers, official payroll records, a ledger containing names of affiliated individuals who served during the war, the “Two Block” newsletter, information on the 52nd College Training Detachment of the Army Air Force and Naval Training School (which was operated out of the University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse), and student correspondence and ephemeral materials donated from two individuals. A highlight of the collection is the Butler University World War I service flag. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA 001: Butler University Newspaper Clippings
The Butler University Newspaper Clippings (UA 001) collection contains an assortment of newspaper clippings about the University, related news, associated events, and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, covering the years 1935 to 2019. The majority of these items were collected by University departments, faculty, and staff to document and track the history of the University; over time, the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University has added to the collection. While some of the newspaper clippings are loose and contained in folders, there are twenty scrapbook albums with numerous newspaper clippings pasted into the pages, covering the years 1935 to 1960. Topics include student life and sports, campus events, and general news relating to the University both on campus and within the city, state, and country. This collection is maintained by Special Collections. It does not include clippings from the Butler student newspaper, The Collegian.

Collection Guides & a selection of predecessor access lists for the Board of Trustees Papers (UA 003)

These access lists were created by the department of Special Collections prior to 1995. They provide basic information that can be found in the minutes such as general subjects, meeting dates, and a chronological listing of topics covered in the meeting minutes (for only particular years); researchers may then contact Special Collections with specific questions about content or may schedule a research visit to view the minutes themselves.

JCA Department of Theatre Records
The Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Department of Theatre Records (UA04.06) contains materials documenting the history of the Butler University Department of Theatre’s productions for over seventy-five years, circa 1946 to 2022. Select types of materials found in the collection include ephemera, photographs, posters, programs, and newspaper clippings and other research files.

UA05.00.01: Butler University Student and Alumni Organization Research Files
The Butler University Student and Alumni Organization Research Files (UA05.00.01) includes records—which were created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University—about select student and alumni organizations at the University. The records exist to help in answering common questions about these organizations. While the collection is not comprehensive, it serves as a starting point in the research of student and alumni organizations at the University. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA05.00.02: Butler University Greek Organization Research Files
The Butler University Greek Organization Research Files (UA05.00.02) includes records—which were created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University—about select Greek organizations at the University. The records exist to help in answering common questions about these Greek organizations, including fraternities and sororities. While the collection is not comprehensive, it serves as a starting point in the research of Greek organizations at the University. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.
UA05.00.03: Butler University Professional and Honorary Society Research Files
The Butler University Professional and Honorary Society Research Files (UA05.00.03) includes records—which were created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University—about select professional and honorary societies at the University. The records exist to help in answering common questions about these professional and honorary societies. While the collection is not comprehensive, it serves as a starting point in the research of professional and honorary societies at the University. This collection is maintained by Special Collections.

University Archives - Inventory

As of June 2021, the inventory of the University Archives at Butler University is incomplete. The department is in the process of completing the first University Archives inventory in order to provide more information about the collections to patrons, including information such as their size, contents, and provenance. In addition, most of the materials are unprocessed or have not been fully organized and reviewed.

For more information on University Archives and its holdings, please contact Special Collections.

The University Archives collection is organized using a classification system. According to the Society of American Archivists' Dictionary, a classification scheme is "A diagram or chart that describes standard categories used to organize materials with similar characteristics." The "standard categories" equate to general collection identification numbers that allow for efficient and simplistic intake of materials.

Materials are regularly accepted and added to University Archives, primarily from Butler University departments and individuals associated with the institution. Department records held by University Archives may not be processed or have a completed collection guide due to time constraints, but the classification system allows for streamlined storage and more simplistic access to unprocessed materials.

UA00.00	Butler University Research Files
UA00.01	Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection
UA00.02	Butler University Biographical Files
UA00.03	Butler University Events Collection
UA00.04	Butler University Publications
UA00.05	Butler University Ephemera
UA00.06	Butler University Artifacts
UA00.07	Butler University Audio and Audiovisual Materials
UA00.08	Butler University Photographs and Visual Images
UA00.09	Butler University Course Materials and Class Assignments
UA00.10	Butler University in America's Wars Collection
UA 001	Butler University Newspaper Clippings
UA00.12	Butler University Posters and Illustrations
UA00.13	Butler University Selected History Publications and Speeches

UA01.00	Research Files, Administration and Administrative Departments
UA 003	Board of Trustees (Board of Directors)
UA01.02	Finance
UA01.03	Presidential Files
UA01.04	Academic Affairs
UA01.05	Capital Campaigns
UA01.06	Registrar (Student Records)
UA01.07	Butler Foundation
UA 002	Butler University Charter and By-laws

UA02.01	Faculty Senate (Faculty Assembly)
UA02.02	Staff Assembly
UA02.03	Sabbatical Leave and Fellowship
UA02.04	American Association of University Women (AAUW)
UA02.05	American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
UA02.06	Butler University Women's Faculty Club

UA03.01	Admissions
UA03.02	Alumni Office (Alumni Association)
UA03.03	Development/Advancement
UA03.04	Facilities
UA03.05	Marketing and Communications
UA03.06	IT
UA03.07	Public Affairs/Public Relations
UA03.08	Butler University Police Department
UA03.09	WTBU
UA03.10	Center for Global Education (Study Abroad)
UA03.11	Office for Institutional Research
UA03.12	Butler Art Committee
UA03.13	Gender Equity Commission
UA03.14	Butler Alliance
UA03.15	Friesner Herbarium
UA03.16	Human Resources
UA03.17	Center for Faith and Vocation
UA03.18	Butler Club
UA03.19	Clowes Hall-Butler Arts and Events Center

UA04.01	College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
UA04.02	College of Religion (Christian Theological Seminary)
UA04.03	College of Education
UA04.04	Lacy School of Business
UA04.05	College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
UA04.06	Jordan College of the Arts
UA04.07	College of Communication
UA04.08	Butler University Libraries
UA04.09	Holcomb Research Institute
UA04.10	Deans' Council (Administrative Council)
UA04.11	School of Physical Education and Athletics

UA05.00.01	Butler University Student and Alumni Organization Research Files
UA05.00.02	Butler University Greek Organization Research Files
UA05.00.03	Butler University Professional and Honorary Society Research Files
UA05.01	Mathesian Society
UA05.02	Pythonian Society
UA05.03	Athenian Literary Society
UA05.04	Demia Butler Society
UA05.05	Philokurian Society
UA05.06	Catharine Merrill Club
UA05.07	Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha (Debate Club)
UA05.08	Butler Alumnae Literary Club
UA05.09	Association of Women Students
UA05.10	Women's League
UA05.11	Welwyn Club
UA05.12	Association of Independent Students (Butler Independent Association)
UA05.13	Scarlet Quill
UA05.14	Odd Topics Society
UA05.15	Computer Association
UA05.16	YMCA/YWCA
UA05.17	Butler Troop of Campus Girl Scouts
UA05.18	Mothers' Council
UA05.19	Parents' Association
UA05.20	Spurs
UA05.21	Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma (Band Fraternity)
UA05.22	Sigma Chi
UA05.23	Sigma Alpha Mu
UA05.24	Trianon
UA05.25	Phi Kappa Phi
UA05.26	Sigma Alpha Iota
UA05.27	Pi Epsilon Phi
UA05.28	Mu Phi Epsilon Honorary Music Society
UA05.29	Phi Mu Alpha
UA05.30	Phi Beta Kappa
UA05.31	Alpha Lambda Delta
UA05.32	Women in Communication (preceded by Scribblers' Club and Theta Sigma Phi)
UA05.33	Delta Delta Delta
UA05.34	Sigma Nu
UA05.35	Physician Assistant (PA) Student Society
UA05.36	Drift
UA05.37	Marching Band

- Unprocessed

- Primarily articles and newspaper clippings; some ephemera

Additional Resources

Resource Guides
Guides created by the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives that provide details for accessing and searching select materials in Special Collections.
Butler University Digital Commons
Official institutional repository of Butler University. In addition to institutional publications, theses, and other documents, it also contains some digitized collections from the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, including yearbooks and some University bulletins.

Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives