What is the University Archives and why are you interested in my papers?
The Harvard University Archives is responsible for the institutional memory of the
University, including University records and related historical collections.
In our efforts to document the history of the University as a teaching and research
institution, we collect the papers of tenured faculty and senior administrators.
Whose papers do you collect?
We collect the papers of tenured members of the faculties of Arts and Sciences, Design,Education, and the Kennedy School.
The Business School, Divinity School, and Medical School maintain their own archives and collect the papers of their respective faculty members. The Law School Library collects the papers of Law School faculty.
When do you want my papers?
Now. If you no longer use some of your files, we will take them at any time. You do not need to wait until retirement to transfer your papers to the Archives.
What kind of materials do you want?
See our collecting guidelines for a suggested list. The list is adaptable to your area of
scholarship and methods of working.
Can the Archives help me to transfer my papers?
Yes. If you prefer to pack the papers yourself, we will provide packing supplies. Otherwise, we can come to your office and pack up the papers for you. In either case, we will schedule a preliminary meeting with you to review the transfer process.
What will you do with my papers?
As soon as we receive them, we assign an accession number to them and prepare a brief inventory. We follow up by sending to you an acknowledgement letter, including the accession number, a copy of the inventory, and a list of options for establishing terms of access to the materials.
If I need to, can I still use my papers once I have given them to the Archives?
Yes. You can use them in our reading room or you can arrange for a temporary loan so that you can use them off-site.
Can anyone else use my papers?
That is up to you. We will grant access to your papers according to the terms that you establish and convey to us. Until you specify the terms of access in writing, we will refer researchers to you for permission to see your papers.
What about confidential materials, such as letters of recommendation?
We automatically restrict letters of recommendation for a period of 80 years. You may restrict access to other materials as long as these materials are clearly identified and you establish a specific period of time for the restriction.
I have more questions. Whom should I contact?
Call (617) 495-2461 or use this link to contact the Associate University Archivist for Collection Development.
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