What can the PSU Archives do with my records?
Our priorities are the selection and preservation of archival records, as well as making these materials available for research. If you or your office, program, unit, or organization have materials that you think should be transferred to the Archives, we can:
- provide the materials with preservation measures and secure storage
- oversee their proper handling and use
- maintain the integrity of the records as a group
- provide research access to the records (and restrictions when required)
- collaborate with PSU instructors to develop course assignments utilizing the records
What materials should be sent?
Many of the records produced by the University have long-term value while others do not. All PSU offices, programs, units, and organizations generate or hold records that have “permanent” or historical value that could be eligible for transfer to the PSU Archives. Such documents usually represent an “end product”— a final report, for example, instead of a draft. Records should be inactive—that is, no longer regularly used for routine business and do not represent current practice or policies. Records of defunct organizations are also often of interest to the Archives.
What is historically valuable material?
Records with historical value can be as old as the original university charter or may have been created this morning. The PSU Archives is interested in the records that best illustrate the purpose, major activities, policies, development, and decision-making practices of your department, unit, or organization.
The University has no centralized records management office or schedule for the retention and disposition of non-permanent records. Inactive records which hold no historical value but must be retained for legal or administrative reference use, remain the responsibility of the creating office.
We recognize that each office has unique functions and requirements. While we may not accept everything that you offer (due to space constraints or our collecting mission), we always welcome the chance to review material.