Welcome
Documenting the history and evolution of Arizona State University, from 1885 to present day, University Archives works to acquire, preserve and make publicly available the historical records of the university, including publications, administrative records, manuscripts, theses and dissertations, photographs and negatives, video and audio recordings, oral histories and news-clipping files.
Archives also manages the university records management program.
Materials we collect
University Archives actively solicits materials documenting the history of Arizona State University and its predecessor institutions. For more detailed information, please review our University Archives Collection Development Policy.
Audio and Visual Materials
This collection consists of individual motion picture, audio and visual recordings and related groups of photographs that have been selected for digitization. Photographs document important events and places on the Tempe campus, motion pictures include ASU promotional films, Sun Devil football and amateur films of campus life. These materials are available online and most can be downloaded for editing and reuse.
Office of the President Records
The Office of the President Records consist of the official correspondence, memoranda, presentations and working documents produced by all ASU Presidents from 1886 to the present. Physical and digital materials are described and made accessible soon after they are sent to Archives. An appointment is necessary to view these materials.
Publications, Specialized Guides and Data Compilations
Electronic publications from the Archives collections including detailed or specialized guides to archival collections and digitized compilations of university data from hardcopy sources. Topics include student and minority enrollment, campus maps, palm walk, and Tempe campus land acquisitions.
Thunderbird School of Global Management Archives
The Thunderbird School of Global Management Archives features historical materials related to the school’s 75-year history as a leading institution for international business. Includes collections related to Thunderbird Field No. 1, the historic World War II airfield that was home to the school from 1946-2018.
Information
Access the archives
To view materials in this collection, please make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932.
Appointments in the Distinctive Collections Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Note: All library reading rooms are currently closed as part of the ASU Library’s COVID-19 response. Ask an Archivist is available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., for reference assistance regarding collection materials.
Help
Resources
Policies
- University Archives Collection Development Policy
- Camera Use Policy
- Duplication Services
- Using our collections in publications
