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Donating your papers is easy! Please start by giving us a call at 605-688-4906 or 605-688-5094. We'll ask a few questions about your papers that will save you some time in advance. An archivist may visit you to assess your papers and offer advice.

This list pertains to both digital and paper records. The list is by no means definitive or exhaustive. It is intended as a general approximation of materials that document the lives of South Dakota State University faculty members. Materials not specifically cited below that contribute toward documenting faculty activities are, of course, welcome.

Records accepted by the University Archives include:

• Audio-Visual Files: Films, sound recordings, and other audio-visual records created by the faculty member. Must be identified in some way (such as dates, names, or captions).
• Biographical materials: Resumes and vitae, biographies, genealogies, newspaper clippings and memoirs.
• Certificates and awards.
• Classroom materials: Lecture notes, syllabi and course outlines.
• Correspondence: Official letters generated in the course of conducting university business. Professional letters relating to one's academic career, including correspondence with colleagues, publishers, professional organizations and students. Personal letters to and from friends, relatives and associates.
• Diaries, journals, notebooks, and appointment calendars.
• Grants: Materials documenting awarded grants. May include proposals, interim and final reports and summary data. All other records may be discarded after administrative and legal retentions are met.
• Memorabilia. Awards, plaques and other three-dimensional items that may be significant to one's career.
• Photographs, negatives, slides and digital images. Must be identified in some way (such as dates, names, or captions).
• Published and unpublished articles, books, chapters and speeches. 
• Research files: Research design, raw data, notes, analysis and reports.

All formats are accepted, including digital.

General materials relating to the university are always appreciated. These materials may fill gaps found in the University Archives.

This step-by-step guide covers the basics of preparing and sending your records to the archives. Contact us if we can help.

Where do I get boxes?

Bankers boxes with handles are recommended. We can help you estimate the number of boxes you will need. Normally one file drawer 20 inches deep is equivalent to 1.5 boxes. Please contact us directly for boxes.

How do I prepare the files for transfer?

Once you have the boxes, start by removing the files from the filing cabinets. Place the files into the boxes in the same order as they were cabinet. Please don't pack the boxes too tightly! You should be able to comfortably slide your hand into the box and the lids should fit snugly.

How do I get the boxes to the Archives?

When you're ready to arrange for the transfer of your papers, email or call us at 605-688-4906 or 605-688-5094. 

Please provide us with the following information:

• Your contact information
• Total number of boxes
• Summary of content including dates (such as correspondence, 1980-1981; research reports, 1991-1994)

We will make arrangements with you to transfer the boxes to the archives.

Our staff will review, organize and describe the files. We'll remove certain types of materials such as duplicates, routine transactional records (like travel vouchers), and certain types of personal information. We'll also remove any materials that would be better suited for the Libraries circulating collection instead of the Archives. If you have questions or concerns about materials removed after you send the boxes to the archives, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Depending on the current filing scheme and the age and condition of the materials, we may physically rearrange the materials and re-folder some or all of the materials. Once that's done, we'll prepare a summary description of the material with administrative information and a box container list. In some cases, we will prepare a more detailed folder listing.  This information is compiled into a collection guide or finding aid that will go online and make the collection accessible to you, others in the University, and the public. You can look at some examples of finding aids on our website.

The files will always be available for your use onsite in the Archives, and through reference service by phone or e-mail is available for many types of requests. The online finding aid will serve as your new list and you can reference it when you call us. In some cases, we can mark up your original list with the new box numbers and return it to you if you need it as a cross-reference.  If this is a particular concern, please be sure to ask at the time of transfer.

Materials in the Archives are retained permanently with very few exceptions. Because the materials are rare or unique, they must be used onsite in our secure reading room. If you need photocopies, we can provide them to you according to our photocopying policy.

Please contact us in advance of your visit so that the materials will be ready for you in the reading room when you arrive. Some parts of the collection are stored offsite and may require a day or two to retrieve. In any case, we always appreciate advance notice if you plan to visit.  The Archives reading room is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m – 4:30p.m., and by special arrangement.