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.
Normal Star / College Star / University Star
The links below are NOT a comprehensive list of resources. These links are provided as a sample to start your research. For assistance with archival resources, please contact the University Archives.
- Up and Up for 80 YearsTime period: circa 1909-1912
An oral history of Fred Adams conducted by the graduate school of business at The University of Texas. Mr. Adams talks about being a student in San Marcos, helping to create the Normal Star and what it was like being the business manager, and memories about Thomas G. Harris, the principle of the Normal School. - The Student Editorials of Lyndon Baines JohnsonTime period: 1927-1928
Compilation of the signed student editorials of Lyndon Baines Johnson from 1927 and 1928 when he served as editor of the school newspaper, the College Star. Johnson attended SWT 1927-1930. - Normal Star / College Star / University Star MicrofilmTime period: 1911-present
The student newspaper, commonly referred to as "the Star," may include stories about significant events in department/program history. To save time, it is helpful to have specific milestones with dates in mind to narrow the search. Some early issues are now available in Digital Collections. All issues held by the library are available on microfilm in the Alkek Library (Floor 3) at AS36.T45 C6.
Issues of the Normal Star (1911-1923) and the College Star (1923-1934) are digitized and available on the Portal to Texas History. We are currently seeking grants and/or donations that will allow us to digitize more issues.
Digital back issues of the University Star from 2004 to the present are also available online.
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.