Collection Development Policy

The University Archives is the repository for the manuscripts and printed materials generated by or about Saint John's University. The Archives collects official University records, including, but not limited to, the records of administrative offices; academic departments; faculty, administrative and student committees; faculty and student clubs; college and student publications; photographs and slides; memorabilia and other ephemeral materials.

The decision to select and preserve records of historical value is the responsibility of the University Archivist. The purpose of collecting such records is to provide documentation of the development and growth of the University, particularly of its primary functions of teaching and research, its role in the State of Minnesota and in the community at large, the activities of its student body and alumni, and the development of its physical plant and grounds. Priority is given to those records that reflect the activities of University officers and committees which formulate or approve University policy, as well as faculty and administrative involvement in these activities.

Acquisitions Priorities

1. Non-current records of administrative, academic, and student organizations: Regents, President, Vice-presidents, Deans, Faculty Governance, Academic Departments, Student Organizations, Administrative Offices, Ecumenical Center, Saint John's Preparatory School.
2. Types of records include: Policy statements and decisions, accreditation reports and supporting documentation, annual budget and audit reports, agenda and minutes of meetings, annual reports, committee and task force reports, subject files concerning projects, statistical summaries, press releases, correspondence and memoranda, and papers created in the process of the University carrying out its mission.
3. All official college publications: Catalogs, student newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, alumni magazines, campus maps, newsletters, admissions and fund raising brochures, programs of conferences and events sponsored by the University, University directories of faculty/staff rosters, and monographs copyrighted by Saint John's University.
4. Campus buildings: Blueprints, building models, and plans.
5. Papers: Student honor papers, prominent alumni, retired faculty.
6. Alumni memoirs: Clubs, diaries, photographs, reunion books, scrapbooks. Such donations are accompanied by a Deed of Gift.
7. Audio-visuals: Photographs (black and white prints are preferred) films, and audio and video recordings relating to the campus, University personnel, alumni, and students.
8. Artifacts and memorabilia: The University Archives also collects non-documentary objects related to Saint John's University's history, especially those of great importance and manageable physical size and condition.