Contact Information
University Archives
Alkek Library, Room 580
Research by appointment
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
The University Archives is physically located on the 5th floor of the Alkek Library. In-person and virtual research assistance is generally available Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm (excluding holidays and energy conservation days).
Research appointments are required for in-person research to allow time for retrieval of offsite materials, to reserve research space, and to allow staff to sanitize the space between researchers. Walk-in assistance is dependent on staff and space availability, as researchers with appointments are given priority. Masks are encouraged.
To request virtual or in-person assistance, please Ask an Archivist.
Old Main
Because Old Main is such a visible part of our campus it is a popular topic for research. The resources in the University Archives that relate to the history of Old Main are available here in digital format. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any original documents relating to its construction.
- A New Crown for an Old FriendAn overview of the history of Old Main, including the 1972 and 1983 renovations.
- Fifty Years of Teacher Education: A Brief History of Southwest Texas State Teachers College, San Marcos, Texas, 1901-1951The first of three official published histories about Texas State, written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the date that the City of San Marcos donated the land upon which the school was built.
Documents related to Old Main
- 1972 Old Main rededication speechThe attached speech was delivered by former President Lyndon B. Johnson, one the 46 campus newspaper editors to see a bronze plaque bearing their names unveiled in the building's main entry.
- Temples of Knowledge: Historic Mains of Texas Colleges and UniversitiesDocument provided with permission of The Texas State Historical Association.
Archival Resources
The University Archives holds official university records, donated materials from friends and alumni, and subject files related to various buildings, property, programs, and events. Researchers interested in in-depth study may find these materials to be a rich source of information.
Prior to making an appointment, please send an e-mail with the specific research request so that staff can determine if there are relevant materials in the archives. Researchers are also welcome to schedule an initial reference consultation with an archivist to discuss research needs. Please remember that while some topics are well-documented there are still many gaps in our historical record.