COVID-19 Update
The University Archives is currently open for in-person and virtual assistance. Research appointments are required so that materials can be pulled form preservation storage and acclimated to room temperature before use.
For those who would prefer to research remotely, we offer virtual assistance. To request a research appointment, request a Zoom consultation, or to ask questions about University History in general, please complete the Ask an Archivist form. We are happy to talk with you via e-mail or Zoom - let us know how we can help with your research.
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. Research appointments at Alkek or the ARC are generally available Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 4:30pm (excluding holidays and energy conservation days).
Research appointments are required 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 while in the Alkek Library and in the University Archives.
For questions or assistance, please Ask an Archivist.
Q: How do I contact the University Archives?
A: The easiest way is to Ask an Archivist about what you need. Please explain a bit about the topic you wish to research so that an archivist can identify materials that may support the research topic. Would you prefer to tell us about your research? Ask to schedule a virtual research consultation.
Q: I need a catalog from the years when I attended Texas State. Can you send me one?
A: While the University Archives does not distribute copies of historical University publications, the course catalogs are available as searchable PDFs in Digital Collections.
Q: I need information for a paper I'm writing. Will you send me the information I need via e-mail?
A: Historical research is the same as any other kind of academic research - it requires time and effort to review the information available and make decisions about what is relevant to the assignment.
Many times, If a simple fact is needed, the archives may be able to provide that information via e-mail. However, more in-depth historical research requires a hands-on approach. Ask an Archivist to let us know what you need so the archivists can determine what is readily available and let you know if we have related collections that require in-depth research.
Q: Can I buy a yearbook (the Pedagog)?
A: The University Archives collects yearbooks for preservation in the collection, but does not hold extras to sell. The Pedagog is now accessible online, and bound issues are available for use in the general collection and in the University Archives. (If you are interested in owning a yearbook, we have noticed that Pedagogs are occasionally available for purchase on eBay.)